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Who Should Start for Gershon Koffie vs. New York Red Bulls?

After losing the Ghanian midfielder to a second-half red card against NYCFC, Jay Heaps will need to select a replacement for tonight's match against NYRB. Our staff offers a few solutions.

By Nick Hemming
Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Early in the second half of Saturday's 1-1 draw with NYCFC, Gershon Koffie saw red for a sloppy challenge on Tommy McNamara. Now, Jay Heaps will have to go to his bench to replace both Koffie and the suspended Je-Vaughn Watson, who received a red card two weeks ago. Watson was with the Jamaican National Team during last weekend's match.

Who should Heaps insert into the Starting XI? Our staff weighs in.

Seth: Daigo Kobayashi

At 33 years old, Kobayashi isn't going to be a regular starter for the Revs but he can fill in when necessary. Known as a more technical player, the Japanese midfielder can also do work on the defensive side of the ball. After intercepting a pass, Kobyashi is able ignite the attack with his keen vision. After Kelyn Rowe's less-than-stellar performance earlier this year, Kobayashi should be given opportunity to play alongside Scott Caldwell.

Steve: Kelyn Rowe

The Kelyn Rowe experiment at deep central midfield appeared to be all but over after a totally ineffectual showing in the season opener, but circumstances may have turned it into the best choice to replace Gershon Koffie. With the Revs at home and in search of their first win of the season, loading the pitch with attacking prowess isn't necessarily the worst idea. The key is to do it correctly.

In 2013, the Revs were very effective playing something closer to a 4-1-4-1 than their current 4-3-3, with Caldwell anchoring the midfield just in front of the back line and Rowe alternating with Lee Nguyen as a combination box-to-box midfielder, advanced playmaker, and midfield scorer. Asking those three to do it again wouldn't be much of a stretch. It's indisputable that Rowe does his best work the closer he gets to the 18, but it is also equally indisputable that Scott Caldwell has demonstrated an ability to run the engine room. As a season-long proposition, I would never suggest it. But for one match where scoring and winning is more important than usual for an early-April fixture? Allowing Rowe to combine with Nguyen and benefit from the latter's creativity might be exactly the shot in the arm the Revolution attack needs.

More: Did Koffie Deserve Red? Revs v. NYRB Injury Report Revs Report Card v. NYCFC

Matty: Daigo Kobayashi

On a short week, at home, against a talented conference rival, I feel like Jay Heaps will opt for the experienced Japanese midfielder. Kelyn Rowe hasn't really been given a fair shake at that "attacking 8" position, but with the team struggling out of the gate I believe the gaffer will go with the player he might have a little bit more confidence in getting the job done.

Jon: Zach Herivaux

Give the kid the chance to shine. The Revs need to look no further than their own Diego Fagundez to see that a youngster sometimes just needs an opportunity to assert himself and gain a boost of confidence. The homegrown product has put on muscle and shown potential in his limited opportunities, so there's reason to believe he won't be out of his element against the likes of Felipe and Sacha Klejstan. Herivaux could be the next gem to come out of the Revs academy system, and there's no better way to discover his merit than considerable MLS minutes.

Who would you line up beside Scott Caldwell? Vote below.

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