Chivas USA take on DC United Saturday at the HDC.

Two teams, two conference champions, Both are struggling to find form after a rocky start.

Chivas USA have six people on this weeks injury list, five out and one questionable. The out includes Alecko Eskandarian, Raphael Wicky, Alex Zotinca, Lawson Vaughn and Jonathan Bornstein. Carey Talley is questionable.

Mentality is key and defense is the issue. If Chivas USA wants to see success, then the team has to defend as a unit. The midfield has to track back and pressure the squad. The burden will fall on Pancho Mendoza and Sacha Kljestan. Both players will need to play both defense and offense all game.

I anticipate the usual starters in the offense and midfield. The defense is anyone’s guess. Both Shavar Thomas and Claudio Suarez will start in the midfield. I would give Bobby Burling the nod for right back. I thought he put together a decent performance. On the left, I would like to see Gerson Mayen get the start. If not, Mayen, maybe go after a 3-5-2 with Thomas wide. Have Talley (if healthy) or Marsch as the defensive mid. Something like this.

——Razov————-Galindo——-

Mendoza————————-Kljestan
——–Paladini-Marsch-Nagamura——

—-Thomas—–Suarez—–Burling—–

Play what you have.

I guess the only thing that could save the team is that DC is almost as injured as Chivas USA. DC is not expecting Olson, Peralta, McTavish or Fred. Emilio may be benched due to poor performance.