Despite the absence of important players such as the renowned Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Matias Rojas, Miami triumphed over Philadelphia Union away from home during the weekend.
Despite having nine players on the field at the end of the match, the Herons won 2-1 and seized the lead thanks to a goal by Leo Afonso in the 94th minute, which gave Miami its first lead of the game.
With Leo Campana receiving a fifth yellow card and David Ruiz and Tomas Aviles receiving second yellow cards at Subaru Park, Martini will have even less players to choose from while facing the defending MLS champions.
But Miami still has enough left in them to win Wednesday night in front of their fans, if not a tie. This is how the Herons could respond to the Crew pitch.
GK: Drake Callender: The seasoned goalie was quiet throughout his game against Philadelphia, but he could be more effective against Diego Rossi and Cucho Hernandez of the Crew.
RB: Marcelo Weigandt – With a tremendous block the previous outing, Weigandt came through big, helping Miami escape Philadelphia with three points.
Having received four yellow cards, he will need to exercise caution when attempting to trace his route back.
CB: Ryan Sailor – Sailor plays with Kryvtsov in the backline while Aviles serves a one-match suspension.
CB: Serhiy Kryvtsov – Against a strong Columbus offensive team, the 33-year-old defender is expected to command the backline.
LB: Jordi Alba – The former Barcelona full-back, who now has four yellow cards, will need to watch how he defends against Columbus.
If he receives another one, he may be suspended for one game.
CM: Yannick Bright – Ruiz’s ban allows Yannick Bright to try his hand at the mid-park jump. Afonso’s game-winning goal against the Union was set up in large part by Bright, who dribbled past a few opponents before setting up the winger for a goal.
CM: Sergio Busquets – Similar to Weigandt and Alba, Busquets faces a one-match suspension after receiving one yellow card.
It will be interesting to observe how it influences his defensive strategy against players like Darlington Nagbe.
CM: Benjamin Cremaschi – After a respectable performance against Philadelphia, Cremaschi maintains his spot in the starting lineup.
Julian Gressel (right wing): Gressel plays wide to against his previous team. He performed well in the broader areas versus Philadelphia, and on Wednesday night, he hopes to repeat that performance.
ST: Robert Taylor – Due to his accumulation of yellow cards, the Finland international is starting from the front. Campana will miss the match.
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