Loons vs. FC Cincinnati: Keys to the match, storylines and a prediction — and more

Minnesota United vs. FC Cincinnati

When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Allianz Field
Stream: Apple TV
Radio: KSTP-AM, 1500
Weather: 18 degrees, overcast, 8 mph south wind
Betting line: MNUFC plus-105; draw plus-265; Cincinnati plus-210

Form: MNUFC (0-0-1, 1 point) earned a 2-2 draw with Austin FC in the season opener after Kelvin Yeboah scored in the 90th minute last Saturday. Cincinnati (1-0-0, 3 points) got two second-half goals for a 2-0 win over Atlanta United last week.

Big question: Will the stars play?

MNUFC midfielder James Rodriguez completed his first full week of training this week and head coach Cameron Knowles said the Colombian star will be available to make his MLS debut. Knowles said James’ first game for Minnesota is not inevitable this weekend and his possible role will be determined how the game plays out and what it needs. A role off the bench seems most likely.

Cincinnati midfielder Evander subbed out of the season opener with an apparent hamstring injury, but coach Pat Noonan didn’t rule out the one-name Brazilian for this weekend.

Context: It will be one of the coldest home games in Loons’ history and Knowles knows his team needs give fans a reason to bundle up and endure the weather.

“One, to be very difficult to breakdown, and two, to entertain,” Knowles said. “… It’s going to be cold. We want to give them energy as much as they give it to us.”

Check-in: For late February, Allianz Field’s natural grass surface got positive reviews from Knowles and captain Michael Boxall.

“The pitch is in fantastic condition considering the time of year,” Knowles said.

Comment: Knowles expressed support for former Loons manager Eric Ramsay, who was fired by West Bromwich Albion earlier this week. Ramsay was winless in nine total games for the club in the English second-tier.

“He’s a fantastic person and obviously a fantastic coach and hopefully his next opportunity is a good one for him,” Knowles said.

Scouting report: The Loons conceded two goals last week — one on a corner kick and one on a back-post finish. They will need to clean up its defensive issues against striker Kevin Denkey. The former Cercle Brugge player had 15 goals in MLS last season and one already this campaign.

Prediction: Cincinnati finished second in the MLS’ overall standings last season and appear to be ready for another top-tier season. But what the heck, let’s predict pure cinema: Minnesota gets a winning-goal contribution from James’ left foot in crunch time. Loons win 2-1.

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The Seattle Seahawks have not one, but two outstanding first-round picks from their 2023 draft class with looming contract extension talks coming. Devon Witherspoon has been a dynamite cornerback in both Pete Carroll and Mike Macdonald’s defenses, while wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has consecutive 100-catch seasons to his name, along with an Offensive Player of the Year award.

This upcoming season will mark the end of the respective rookie deals for JSN and Witherspoon, unless Seattle exercises those fifth-year options exclusive to first-rounders. The NFL announced the values of those fifth-year options on Friday.

How much are JSN and Witherspoon’s fifth-year options?

Smith-Njigba’s fifth-year option is valued at $23,852,000, while Witherspoon’s is $21,161,000. Witherspoon is at the highest possible tier as someone who’s made at least two Pro Bowls in his first three seasons. Technically, JSN is a two-time Pro Bowl player, but his 2024 selection was as an alternate, which does not count and thus he’s only directly made one Pro Bowl. That’s the difference between JSN’s fifth-year option being the current value versus $27,298,000.

What happens if either of JSN or Witherspoon plays on their fifth-year option?

Fifth-year option salaries are fully guaranteed, so they can be off the books via trade without any dead money taken on. New York Giants pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is a notable player who’s on his fifth-year option without an extension.

In a hypothetical world where JSN and ‘Spoon are somehow on their options in 2027, then that’s over $45 million in salary cap money tied to two players without contract extensions.

When is the fifth-year option deadline?

Teams have until May 1 to either exercise or decline fifth-year options. The Seahawks utilized Charles Cross’ option last year and got a deal done with their left tackle in ample time.

In a recent report, The Sun stated that Liverpool are trailing Arsenal in pursuit of Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon. It has been mentioned that the Reds are facing competition from the Gunners and Manchester United in the race to sign the English wide player next summer.

Gordon’s Impressive Form In English Football

Gordon is having an excellent campaign at the Tyneside club as he has produced a series of productive displays for them in the Premier League. The Liverpool-born talent has participated in 38 matches for Newcastle this season, scoring 14 goals and earning five assists across multiple competitions.

The 25-year-old is currently among the most feared attackers in European football. Thus, it makes sense for Liverpool to step up their chase to land him at the end of this campaign.

Gordon’s current deal at St. James’ Park will run out in the summer of 2029, which could make it tough for the Reds to sign him on the cheap later this year.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on February 21, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

What Should Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Do With Regards To Gordon?

Gordon can use his pace well to get in behind the opponent’s backline at every chance he can get. He is a great dribbler with the ball at his feet and has got the vision to create some inviting chances for his teammates in and around the opponent’s penalty area.

The English wing wizard can strike the ball purely from long range and can contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals up top. Gordon is primarily a left-winger but can also operate as a right-sided wide player or as a centre-forward if asked to do so by his manager.

We can expect Gordon to bring more pace and firepower to Liverpool head coach Arne Slot’s frontline. He has what it takes to earn regular first-team football at Anfield and could serve as an ideal, long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah at the Merseyside club.

At 25, Gordon has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him an excellent option for the Reds to consider at the end of this season. With all things considered, Slot would be wise to go all out to win the race for his services in the upcoming summer transfer period.