READ: Viewing info, what's at stake and more on Cosmos vs. Loons

While it’s true the New York Cosmos hold an unblemished record against Minnesota United FC, anyone familiar with the history of this matchup recognizes just how even the two sides have looked sharing the field. Of their eight encounters since 2013, the Cosmos have won four and tied four, with no game decided by more than a single goal.

Coming into the latest head-to-head, even the teams’ positions in the NASL Spring Season standings are identical: six points, six goals scored and two goals conceded through three matches. It’s the ways they’ve gotten there that are inverted. New York won two straight before dropping its first road match of the year against Indy Eleven. The Loons lost their season opener to the Carolina RailHawks, but have since reeled off consecutive wins.

Two quality sides are set to take the pitch at NSC Stadium Saturday night. With a history of tight contests, undoubtedly the result will come down to which team can get the best of the positional matchups. Here are three battles to keep an eye on.

1. The Cosmos central defense vs. Christian Ramirez

Photo: Minnesota United FC

Cosmos captain Carlos Mendes, fellow center back Jimmy Ockford and defensive midfielder Michael Lahoud have started three consecutive matches together. That continuity in the heart of the defense has brought increasing strength. Before Indy Eleven’s stoppage time surge last Saturday night, the trio contributed to nearly a three-match streak of holding opponents scoreless.

California native Christian Ramirez features at the top of Minnesota’s 4-2-3-1 formation. Since bursting onto the scene in 2014, he’s proven himself as one of the NASL’s purest goal scorers. The 25-year-old won the league’s Golden Boot in 2014, became the club’s all-time leading scorer in 2015 and co-leads the Loons in goals through three 2016 fixtures. Ramirez excels at making powerful off-ball runs into the penalty area and playing off the shoulders of defenders. If Lahoud, Mendes and Ockford can contain him, the Cosmos will have a leg up on securing their ninth straight result against United.

2. The fullbacks

New York and Minnesota feature technical outside backs capable of contributing to the attack. Hunter Freeman and Ayoze are the last two Emirates Cosmos Players of the Year. Kevin Venegas and Justin Davis shine in delivering expert crosses for Ramirez. In the 2015 series goals were tough to come by; the Cosmos scored three in three games while the Loons netted twice. Any extra firepower from the fullbacks could lead to valuable scoring chances.

3. Juan Arango vs. Ben Speas

These two won't be marking one another often, but pay attention to how Juan Arango and Ben Speas pull the strings as playmaking midfielders. Both are tied for their respective team leads in goals and assists, and both have slotted in behind the lone striker this season. But Arango and Speas have had success playing the position different ways.

The longtime Venezuelan national team captain is undeniably skilled on the ball, but it's his movement and vision before the ball reaches him that have helped the Cosmos offense. Speas, meanwhile, has done damage with the ball at his feet, barreling toward the 18-yard box. Come Saturday, there’s a good chance that Arango and Speas will figure prominently into dangerous attacks for both parties.