Colorado can have the ball without turning every entry into a clean shot, and Chicago has routes to answer after conceding. Yokohama faces a similar test of its first pass against Kawasaki's midfield pressure. Both matches should be shaped by the response to the opening goal and whether the next defensive possession ends cleanly.
Colorado's Whittaker and Aaronson can stretch Chicago, but the Rapids are missing a first pass midfielder and a recent defender through suspension. Chicago's returning central players can improve the first clearance, while Bamba and Haile-Selassie have shown a far post response. Colorado's home form is strong, yet its recent possession has also ended in draws. I'm siding with Chicago to avoid defeat through its wide and restart routes.
Kawasaki can win the second ball and spring Wakizaka, Marcinho or Ito forward. Yokohama has a verified right side escape through its central pass and wide runners, with different finishers able to answer an away goal. Kawasaki has conceded regularly in the current league season despite its attacking strength, and its away results include draws. I'm siding with Yokohama to hold its ground at home.
