If the first two meetings between the Rangers and Republic FC are any indicator, Swope Park is going to probably control the majority of possession, as it looked to pick a way through Republic FC’s midfield to find attacking opportunities. That means Sacramento is likely going to have to take advantage when it can of a high defensive line employed by the Rangers that could allow Republic FC forward Wilson Kneeshaw into attacking space on the counterattack.

Kneeshaw returned to the starting lineup for Republic FC after a late-season injury against Real Monarchs SLC last Friday night, having made an impact as a substitute as Sacramento earned a road draw with Reno 1868 FC in the final game of the regular season. His effort helped set up Sacramento’s goal against Real, but his attempts to try and stretch the play resulted in Kneeshaw being consistently the most advanced of any of Republic FC’s forwards.

Phoenix Rising FC tried to do something similar this past weekend with Amadou Dia, with the left-winger regularly getting the chance to create in the attacking third. If Republic FC can pick out good passes over the top from the likes of Emrah Klimenta, Hall and Cazarez, there could be chances to be had for the visitors.