Both teams will be hoping to make it two wins from two in MLS when Minnesota United host Columbus Crew on Saturday.
Minnesota defeated Austin FC in their opening game, while Columbus Crew got the better of Atlanta United.
Match preview
© Reuters
Having failed to qualify for the end-of-season playoffs for the first time since 2018 last season, Minnesota made the decision to depart with Adrian Heath, who had been the club's manager since joining MLS in 2017.
Heath managed 248 games across almost seven years with the Loons, with the first couple of years understandably proving to be difficult at times. However, he went on to guide them to the semi-finals of the playoffs in 2020, before results dipped last time out.
Eric Ramsay has been chosen as Heath's successor, with the 31-year-old embarking on his first managerial role after previously working as a coach at Manchester United and Wales. He got off to the best possible start when Minnesota beat Austin 2-1 last weekend, with loanee Alejandro Bran's late strike sealing all three points for his side.
The expectation on Ramsay - who Wales boss Rob Page dubbed as "one of the best young coaches in football" last year - will be to ensure that Minnesota are involved at the business end of the season once again, while implementing an attractive style of play for their fanbase to enjoy.
© Reuters
Columbus Crew, of course, are the reigning MLS champions after defeating Los Angeles FC 2-1 in last year's playoff final. The victory crowned a momentous first season at the club for Wilfried Nancy, who has remained in charge for the coming campaign.
Nancy, whose previous work with CF Montreal tempted Columbus Crew to poach him in December 2022, became the first black coach to lift the MLS Cup in the process. However, that could prove to be a tough act for him to follow up, as Columbus attempt to move level with DC United on four MLS Cup triumphs. Only them and Los Angeles Galaxy (five) possess more than the Crew.
Cucho Hernandez, who was named the MLS Cup MVP after opening the scoring in December, was on the scoresheet once again when Columbus hosted Atlanta in their opening game of the season. That 27th minute strike proved to be the difference between the two teams.
Columbus have not topped the conference table since 2009, so that could be something for Nancy and his players to aspire to this season, but ultimately they will be hoping to retain their crown and maintain their renowned style of play.
Team News
© Reuters
Minnesota will remain without Emanuel Reynoso due to a knee injury, with the midfielder unlikely to return to first-team action until early April. Kevin Arriaga is also doubtful due to his own knee issue.
Ramsay may see little reason to change a winning team after edging out Austin in his first game in charge, meaning that Finland stars Robin Lod - who opened the scoring - and Teemu Pukki will line up together once more.
Columbus, meanwhile, will travel without Will Sands due to a cruciate ligament tear. The left-back is a long-term absentee, with no timeline currently available for his expected return date.
Like his forthcoming counterpart, Nancy is unlikely to make any selection alterations after winning their first game of the season. As such, Hernandez will lead the line once more, with former LAFC star Diego Rossi in close support.
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
Clair; Taylor, Boxall, Tapias, Rosales; Lod, Trapp, Dotson; Jeong, Pukki, Fragapane
Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:
Schulte; Zawadzki, Camacho, Amundsen; Farsi, Nagbe, Morris, Yeboah; Rossi, Russell-Rowe; Hernandez
We say: Minnesota United 1-2 Columbus Crew
Minnesota are embarking on a new era under the up-and-coming coach Ramsay, whereas Columbus are a much more settled outfit under Nancy after lifting the MLS Cup last season.
As such, we can envisage an away victory for the reigning champions, but it should be an interesting clash nonetheless between two managers who prefer to play on the front foot.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Brett Curtis
