D.C. United versus Columbus Crew lineup: 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs, knockout round edition

D.C. United takes on the Columbus Crew tomorrow night in the MLS Playoffs; the regular season is over, and now it is a sprint towards MLS Cup. United finished 4th in the Eastern Conference and gets to host the Crew at Audi Field, at which the team has been almost unstoppable. Ben Olsen has chosen his preferred group of players down the stretch this season, but will they all be ready to go for the (first) most important game of the season so far?

The main change I expect to see is Yamil Asad coming back from injury to start in the place of Ulises Segura. Asad got a couple of extra days rest to prepare, and if he is fit enough to start we will definitely see him out there. The rest of the attack, comprising of Luciano Acosta, Paul Arriola, and Wayne Rooney, will remain the same, as well the defensive midfield of Russell Canouse and Junior Moreno. If United are winning, I would think Chris Durkin would be brought in to spell an attacker and increase the defensive pressure late.

On the back line, the only real question is the health of Nick DeLeon. He came back from injury and was then thrust into 90 minute scenarios quickly; if he needs a break, then United might be forced to move Paul Arriola back to fullback, but Olsen will likely be loathe to do that. I expect DeLeon, who had a good performance against the fire, to join Steven Birnbaum, Frederic Brillant, Joseph Mora, and Bill Hamid all defending United’s goal.

The only injury report change of note is that Vytas and David Ousted have been upgraded to questionable from out. I don’t expect that to make any change on the depth chart, but Ousted could possible make the bench eventually if United continue to advance.

What do you want to see Ben Olsen do tomorrow night?