Match Day Quick Reference Card: Sounders vs. Fire

The big lineup change for the Sounders is predicated on Leo Gonzalez's unjust red card near the end of the Chivas USA match. Although referee Alex Prus admitted the punishment was "harsh," the suspension stands. In his place will be either Tyson Wahl or Zach Scott. We're rolling the dice that it will be Scott, based almost entirely on the fact that he has played more than Wahl.

Steve Zakuani is supposed to be in the 18, but with just two days of full training after about two weeks spent nursing an injury, we don't expect him to start. The midfield will almost certainly feature Alvaro Fernandez and Sanna Nyassi out wide and Nathan Sturgis and Osvaldo Alonso in the middle. It would be a rather significant shocker if both Blaise Nkufo and Fredy Montero don't start in the forward positions.

Calling the Fire's starting XI is a little tougher. Starting goalkeeper Sean Johnson is on the injury list, but is expected to start. Designated Player Nery Castillo did not even travel, nor did defender William Conde. We've relied upon the expertise of Fire blogger Tweed Thornton to help us with the Fire lineup.

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