It appears the Rapids (and numerous MLS Fantasy managers) will have to make alternate plans at central defense this weekend.
Axel Sjoberg, the , is not in the Rapids projected lineup for Saturday, and is listed as “questionable” for the match.
Sjoberg missed training earlier this week . Coach Pablo Mastroeni said Sjoberg was day-to-day. Fantasy managers: Start him at your own risk.
Here are the “probable” lineups released by MLS:
Colorado Rapids vs. Houston Dynamo projected lineups for March 28, 2015. (Provided by MLS)
Colorado Rapids
Irwin, Harrington, Watts, Burling, Riley, Pittinari, Cronin, Ramirez, Sarvas, Powers, Torres.
Houston Dynamo
Deric, Beasley, Rodriguez, Horst, Sarkodie, Davis, Lopez, Sturgis, Miranda, Hoffman, Bruin.
Jared Watts is projected to slide into the starting center back role, alongside Bobby Burling who returns from red card suspension. Shane O’Neill is out for the match, away . Drew Moor is listed as “out” as .
Other injury notes: Marlon Hairston (shoulder) is listed as “out.” Carlos Alvarez (ankle), who missed time in training this week, is listed as “questionable.”
James Riley is projected to reclaim his starting spot at right back after a one-game ban, displacing Marc Burch.
Dillon Powers, who sparkled in the No. 10 role last week, slides over to right midfield with Vicente Sanchez getting a rest and Marcelo Sarvas sliding in at central attacking midfield. Designated player Juan Ramirez, who made his debut last weekend, is projected to start at left midfield.
Finally, Gabriel Torres is projected to get the start up top in place of rookie Dominique Badji. Torres played the final 30 minutes in that role against NYCFC.
As always, there could be some gamesmanship involved with the release of a probable lineup — there were plenty of times last season in which the Rapids actual lineup was far different — so don t be surprised if there are some changes in Saturday s starting 11.
