The three points up for grabs in the next edition of the "Hell is Real" derby count the same as any other match, but the composition of the latest FC Cincinnati-Columbus Crew meeting will be altered fundamentally personnel-wise.
The end-of-year MLS standings will not hold it against the winner of Friday's match at TQL Stadium that between the two teams as many as 16 players could be unavailable for the contest through injury and international call-ups.
FC Cincinnati head coach Jaap Stam said preparation for the game is the same as it would be for any other.
"We're approaching it the same way as every game. Try to get a result, and like you're saying, hopefully we can have a win," Stam said. "Also, we know that we are facing a very good team, a very good side. They've got their strengths but still we've got to keep continuing what we've been doing the last couple weeks in the progress that we've been making (with) the work rates, the quality at times and showing going forward, converting opportunities and defending well, and scoring goals. Hopefully we can score more. It's gonna be a big game for everybody – for the fans and for ourselves as well... No, it doesn't wear you down. You're always looking at their side as well and what they're trying to do, how they're trying to play."
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There's no question the match will be irrevocably altered by the personnel considerations for both sides, and especially Columbus.
FC Cincinnati will be absent assists leader Ronald Matarrita and Allan Cruz. Both are considerable losses, although FC Cincinnati still managed a draw in Saturday's 1-1 result at Houston Dynamo FC without them.
FCC is also without Zico Bailey, Maikel van der Werff and Calvin Harris due to injury, but those losses were expected.
While Columbus still figures to feature some well-known and talented players in Friday's match, the Crew have wide ranging roster concerns ahead of Friday's game.
For starters, the Crew are likely to play without former FCC player Derrick Etienne Jr., leading goalscorer Gyasi Zardes, who has seven career goals against FCC, and starting goalkeeper Eloy Room, among others including noted goalscorer Bradley Wright-Phillips.
During his Wednesday news conference in Columbus, Porter confirmed Wright-Phillips would be unavailable Friday due to injury concerns.
As Wednesday unfolded, the list of unavailable players continued to grow for the Crew. The Columbus Dispatch estimated that up to six players could miss Friday's match due to call-ups while five could be absent through injury.
Stam said he isn't focusing on the Crew's absences, and the personnel deficits don't lessen the importance of seeking the first-ever result at TQL STadium.
"As a club, you're always making sure in your roster that you have players that can step in when other players are leaving... Other players need to step in," Stam said. "I don't think too much basically for this game ab about their players... I'm focused on what we can do as a team and the players that are available at the time."
