Match Day Quick Reference Card, Sounders vs. Crew

With James Riley meeting the Sounders in Columbus, and with the team apparently heading home after the game, it only seems to make sense that he's going out there to play. With that in mind, we expect to see him in the starting XI.

The same essentially goes for Blaise Nkufo, although it seems as if Nate Jaqua is also ready to go. We expect to see Nkufo make his first appearance since the Aug. 28 match against Chicago. My guess is that only one of them will make the gameday 18, though, as Mike Fucito would seem to be a more sensible backup since he provides a real change-of-pace option.

The rest of our starting XI looks a lot like it normally does: Osvaldo Alonso and Nathan Sturgis in the middle; Alvaro Fernandez and Steve Zakuani on the wings; Patrick Ianni, Jeff Parke and Leo Gonzalez filling out the back four; and Fredy Montero in the withdrawn forward position.

We haven't been able to make any contacts with Columbus media this week, so we're going with what has been a pretty standard alignment for them in recent weeks. Robbie Rogers is out, Gino Padula is doubtful and Danny O'Rourke is listed as probable. 

What do you think of the Sounders' chances to win on the road.

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