Toronto FC vs D.C. United: 3 important storylines to watch out for this weekend | OneFootball

What are the three storylines to watch out for between Toronto FC and D.C United this weekend?

1. Who will be the centre-back duo for Toronto FC against D.C. United?

With Nicksoen Gomis likely out for the long term and Sigurd Rosted and Kevin Long picking up injuries last weekend, we could see an unlikely partnership at the back against D.C. United.

Lazar Stefanovic, who was subbed on for Rosted at halftime against the New England Revolution, could be in line for a rare start. The 18-year-old is being touted as one for the future. In his post-match presser, Robin Fraser did not have any updates on the status of Long and Rosted, but there is a possibility that both won't be ready to return on Saturday.

Last Saturday, Kosi Thompson was forced into playing centre-back after Nicksoen Gomis went down midway through the second half. At minimum, Stefanovic should be able to start alongside one of Sigurd or Long, but time will tell on the overall healthiness of the centre-backs.

2. Will there be more fan protests on Saturday?

This is a rare off-field storyline, but a storyline nonetheless. Last weekend, during the fixture against the New England Revolution, fans from Section 114 held multiple banners, protesting ownership and the club's lack of direction.

Supporters later had their banners taken away, prompting them to leave the stadium long before the match ended. By the time the full-time whistle blew, BMO Field looked incredibly sparse, and there's a chance we could see a repeat this Saturday.

MLSE CEO Keith Pelley issued a letter to Toronto FC supporters over the week that included Pelley stating that "we have seen evidence of that identity and mindset taking root at times this season, although admittedly it was not at the level we expect in the two matches this past week."

3. Who will start up top for Toronto FC?

The striker merry-go-round continues for Toronto, as the club has used a different player at striker for four straight matches.

Ola Brynhildsen has yet to live up to some of the pre-debut hype he had, and that has been shown through Toronto's fairly low goal total. In fact, the situation has been so dire in recent weeks that Federico Bernardeschi has acted as the centre-forward at times later in games.

Deandre Kerr, who will be Brynhildsen's competition for the rest of the season, remains out injured but will certainly get more starts once he returns.

Charlie Sharp and Theo Corbeanu also have spent time starting at striker for Toronto this season although the former is not ready to be a full-time starter and the latter is best deployed as a winger.

Youngster Dékwon Barrow seems to be rated by Robin Fraser, given that he earned a start for Toronto in the Canadian Championship against CF Montreal. However, Barrow is not yet MLS-ready and would require another short-term agreement to be eligible to play.