Toronto FC vs D.C. United: TV schedule, live stream, lineups & game thread

Sebastian Giovinco remains questionable for the visit of D.C. United and may not be risked until after the international break.

The Italian was expected to play some part tonight after sitting out the match against Orlando City in midweek but is unlikely to start and there is now doubt over whether he will be involved at all.

Greg Vanney is likely to turn to Jordan Hamilton to partner Jozy Altidore in Giovinco’s absence, with Mo Babouli also available but Tosaint Ricketts suspended.

In midfield, Will Johnson declined a call-up for Canada’s upcoming friendlies but that is likely to be simply a case of the midfielder needing a rest and he is expected to play on Saturday.

Nick Hagglund should continue at centre-back alongside Drew Moor and it would be a surprise if Clint Irwin does not return in goal.

Here are three stories to watch:

Will Cooper earn a starting berth?

After missing a game through suspension, Armando Cooper has returned to the midfield and may have taken over from Marky Delgado as a starter on one side of the midfield diamond.

The Panama international has shown glimpses of quality and could solidify his grip on the position opposite Will Johnson with an impact performance tonight.

What about Hagglund?

Along with that central-midfield spot, there is also a centre-back berth up for grabs. Eriq Zavaleta’s mistake against the New York Red Bulls saw him dropped and Nick Hagglund has started the last two games alongside Drew Moor.

With that duo conceding only one goal over 180 minutes - one which, admittedly, Hagglund was partially at fault for - they have made a decent start towards forming what could be the Reds’ starting partnership in the playoffs.

The end of the goalkeeping debate?

Alex Bono made a surprise return to the starting XI against the Philadelphia Union, presumably so as not to overexpose the returning Clint Irwin to three games in a week.

While Irwin is almost certainly still the No.1, it did show the comfort Greg Vanney has in putting Bono in his lineup.

Irwin has been excellent so far this season and there is no reason to believe that will change now, but any shakiness in the final three games could plant a seed of doubt in his coach’s mind.

Lineups

Toronto FC: Irwin; Bloom, Zavaleta, Moor, Morrow; Bradley; Cooper, Lovitz; Osorio; Altidore, Babouli.

Subs: Bono, Hagglund, Beitashour, Cheyrou, Delgado, Endoh, Hamilton.

D.C. United: Hamid; Mishu, Boswell, Birnbaum, DeLeon; Vincent; Neagle, Buscher, Acosta, Sam; Mullins.

Subs: Worra, Robinson, Martin, Nyarko, Igboananike, Saborio, Kamara.

Game info

Venue: BMO Field, Toronto

Kick-off: 7.30 p.m. Eastern

SB Nation opposition: Black and Red United

TV: TSN 2

Streaming: TSN Go