Head coach Jaap Stam made three changes to the FC Cincinnati starting XI ahead of Saturday night’s #HellisReal Derby at Nippert Stadium.
Siem de Jong, Adrien Regattin and Maikel van der Werff replace Allan Cruz, Tom Pettersson and Caleb Stanko in the starting lineup, while Saad Abdul-Salaam and Haris Medunjanin are back in the matchday squad.
About the changes
De Jong’s last start was in the home opener against D.C. United on Aug. 21, while Regattin makes his first start since the MLS is Back Tournament knockout stage clash against the Portland Timbers on July 28. As for van der Werff, Saturday marks his first start since the 1-0 win against Atlanta United FC on July 16.
Abdul-Salaam, who missed the two previous matches with a quad injury, could make his first appearance since the 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls on July 22. The derby could be Medunjanin’s first minutes since the Timbers match. After the birth of his son, Medunjanin missed the last two games while following MLS health and safety protocols in order to rejoin the team.
About the absentees
With the inclusion of Abdul-Salaam and Medunjanin, two players were dropped from the matchday squad: Zico Bailey and Tommy McCabe. The latter recently joined Memphis 901 FC on loan in the USL Championship, and Saturday’s game is the first he’ll miss since March 7 at Atlanta.
Jimmy McLaughlin and Spencer Richey were excluded from the matchday roster because of injuries. New signing Kamohelo Mokotjo remains overseas and won’t be formally added to the FC Cincinnati roster until he receives a work visa.
