Minnesota United vs Real Salt Lake: 3 Things to Watch For

Mar 12, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota United forward Christian Ramirez (21) against Atlanta United at TCF Bank Stadium. Atlanta United defeated Minnesota United 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota United forward Christian Ramirez (21) against Atlanta United at TCF Bank Stadium. Atlanta United defeated Minnesota United 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota will play host to Real Salt Lake this weekend. With both teams struggling, Minnesota will be hoping for 3 points in front of the home fans.

Here is a look at three key story lines for Minnesota United heading into their match against Real Salt Lake this weekend.

The Central Defense

With Costa Rican Francisco Calvo back from international duty with the Ticos, he’ll almost certainly start, but who will start next to him? Brent Kallman has certainly earned a look with his performance over the past two weeks, but Adrian Heath has several options here.

He could either give Vadim Demidov another chance, or he could play Jermaine Taylor in his preferred position which, shockingly, is not right back. Another option is Joe Greenspan, who’s reportedly back from his concussion.

Despite all of these options at Heath’s disposal, Minnesota native Brent Kallman should start, and have a chance to continue his great form. He and Calvo could make a solid starting Center back duo for the Loons moving forward.

Mar 18, 2017; Commerce City, CO, USA; Minnesota United defender Justin Davis (2) reacts to a red card received in the second half against the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Minnesota United and Colorado Rapids draw 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Commerce City, CO, USA; Minnesota United defender Justin Davis (2) reacts to a red card received in the second half against the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Minnesota United and Colorado Rapids draw 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Central Midfield

With all the internationals back this week, it will be interesting to see who Adrian Heath starts in the center of the pitch. Assuming he keeps Johan Venegas at the #10 role, that still leaves two open midfield spots left.

Collen Warner has been one of the few bright spots for Minnesota this season, and he should have a chance to continue his form. As for the other starting role, there are several options. Ibson looked good against Colorado, but looked very pedestrian against New England. That  may have something to do with the lesser quality of last week’s squad due to the international break, however Ibson is probably not a 90 minute player at this point in his career, and it would be best if he came off the bench.

Mohamed Saied had without a doubt his worst match of the season against New England. He can be a useful bench player moving forward though, but not really as a starter, unless somebody were to get hurt or filling in during the next international break.

It should be Rasmus Schüller who starts alongside Warner. He looked decent in the first three matches, and if Minnesota runs the same formation that they ran against Colorado more consistently, we should see Schüller improve. He’s less boxed in than he was in the crowded midfield that Minnesota had in the first two matches.

Next: Minnesota United: 3 takeaways from the New England match

The Left Wing

The left wing is certainly a position that the Loons will hope to get more production out of moving forward. Between fan favorite Miguel Ibarra and Danish international Bashkim Kadrii, neither one has frankly looked very impressive.

Both have been invisible at times, with each showing flashes of skill but not much else. Whoever Adrian Heath decides to start at left wing needs to put together a more solid performance against RSL.