Matchday Preview 3: Ctrl-Alt-Delete
Eddies look to bounce back after poor showing at home
With the result of Sunday still a bit fresh on the mind, the rhetoric during the build up heading into the upcoming match was one of resetting. Keep in mind that this is not a hard reset, though comments from Miller and Sunday’s debacle have made it clear that while changes are necessary, the tactical approach and mentality on the field will stay the same.
Projected Lineup
A seemingly serious knock right at full time on Sunday means Zebie is on the bubble. Note that nothing has been confirmed regarding this, but quotes from Miller seem to suggest Eckersley’s return to the squad. Smith finds his way to the bench again. If Adam is still hurt, Smith gets the call.
Cruz appears to still be rated highly and maintains his spot on the left, but don’t be surprised if Gustavo comes in for him again. If we can read into Nyassi coming off just 10 minutes into the 2nd half, it might mean Corea finally gets his first start of the season.
Fordyce was also taken off early on Sunday, and the word “energetic” was used a lot to describe Keegan who replaced him. It appears he played well enough to get into the starting lineup, as confirmed by Miller in an interview with Dean Millard on TSN 1260—skip to 13:00—Wednesday night.
The Opposition
Midfield engine
The Rowdies are a team that can play in the middle. For the past two games, Michael Nanchoff has been an engine for their lineup completing a large percentage of his passes and, as the league points out, a crucial piece of the Rowdies attack.
Juan Guerra and Justin Chavez are other players in a productive midfield. Guerra appeared to work in tandem with Nanchoff in keeping the ball in the midfield at Miami last week. Chavez, on the other hand, complemented Nanchoff, taking up a more defensive role but setting himself up deep in the attack in the draw at home with Indy the previous week.
The Geico Spokesman
Having been a thorn in Edmonton’s defence in seasons previous both with Vancouver and Ottawa. Now with the Rowdies, Tom Heinemann is still one to watch. Despite not finding his form just yet, there is a little something to be said about being able to face a team that you have found success before in the past.
What to Watch Out For
Midfield matchup
The combination of Ledgerwood and Raudales looks to get another test this week, and it is appearing to be one for the foreseeable future, while Ritchie Jones continues to recover from injury. On paper, this is shaping up again to be about how well these two can keep the Rowdies from controlling midfield. That said, if the Eddies can keep the Rowdies in check we may see the likes of Christian or Nik take up a role as the FCE cog.
Wide Play
While FC Edmonton has made it no secret that most of their attack is coming from the wings, Tampa Bay is somewhat quiet about this. What their strong central midfield play allows for is space around the box and their wingers, Alhassan & Avila are getting their fair share of touches out wide.
If Heinemann is to be a target man, they will try very hard to get crosses in for him. While this has been largely unsuccessful so far, we may see them try it again. What this means is that both the wingers and fullbacks for FCE on the day may have to be called upon defensively first.
Additionally, heat maps of the last two matches have seen the Rowdies unafraid to overlap their fullbacks and involve them in their attacks. They don’t play a high defensive line however, so the Eddies may find it tough to find space unless their fullbacks have committed too far forward.
Diákité/Watson
While it worked just okay for the first 30 minutes before Watson was sent off. This will be our first chance to truly see this pairing at work. What we need to look out for is how they both partner up in the back, whether they employ a stopper/cover role—usually with Roberts as the faster, more mobile cover—or need help dealing with attacking pace up the middle from Nik or Cristian.
Keegan’s Runs
Relative to the performance of the rest of the squad, there was a lot to like about Jake’s appearance against United on Sunday. Keegan brings dynamism to the front two, and look for his runs to try and bring a defender out of a settled position. If there are breaks, look for Keegan to be the first to charge up front. Hopefully he’s up for it for a good hour, he’ll likely need it, and it would be surprising to see him keep that up for 90.
Notes:
Nathan—of the Loyal Company of the River Valley Podcast—and I are going to provide live commentary again tomorrow. Click the link and set an email reminder on your browser. Alternatively, you can also download the RabbleTV app to your iPhone or Android device and do the same. You can use various social media as your login. Tweet using the hashtag #FearNoFoe before, during and after the match; we’ll do our best to respond. Yes, the dogs will be back.
The weather in Tampa tomorrow night will be a decent 23° with a chance of showers, and Clarke-like wind.
