FC Cincinnati will be looking to extend their winning run to three games on Sunday when they travel to Allianz Field to face Minnesota United in their latest Major League Soccer game.
The hosts suffered a defeat in midweek, but they have the potential of climbing into third place of the Western Conference if they can secure three points.
Match preview
Minnesota United will be hoping to get back to winning ways immediately this weekend after suffering a 2-0 defeat against Los Angeles FC on Monday.
Goals from Ryan Hollingshead and Jose Cifuentes in the final 10 minutes of the match proved to be decisive in that game, which was the second time they have lost on the road this season.
However, The Loons have been more dominant at home throughout this campaign, as they have only been beaten once at Allianz Field.
Their previous two matches in front of their own fans have seen Minnesota score six times, conceding just once, showcasing the confidence that they have.
With a victory having the potential of taking them into third place within the Western Conference, there is plenty to play for in this particular fixture.
However, the visitors are also competing at the top end of the Eastern Conference after an impressive start to their own campaign, which has seen a mixed bag of performances.
Cincinnati have played 10 times already this season, and they have lost half of those matches, yet they do find themselves in the playoff positions as well.
Pat Noonan's squad have also hit a purple patch of form recently, going five games undefeated in all competitions heading into this particular encounter.
Cincinnati have kept three clean sheets across those games as well, which is one of the reasons they have managed to step up their results.
After defeating Toronto 2-0 in midweek with goals from Calvin Harris and Luciano Acosta, the squad will be hoping to add another three points this weekend.
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Team News
Minnesota have had to deal with several big injury problems to kickstart the season, with Hassani Dotson being unavailable this year due to an ACL tear.
Meanwhile, both Patrick Weah and Romain Metanire are also out of action with knee and thigh problems respectively, but the squad could welcome back Wil Trapp this weekend.
Acosta has been in fine form in front of goal lately for the visitors, and he is likely to retain his position in the starting lineup this weekend.
Cincinnati have also got a laundry list of injuries to deal with as well as Ronald Matarrita is dealing with an ankle issue, and Alex Kann has a lower-body problem.
Ray Gaddis, Allan Cruz and Tyler Blackett all have had situations to deal with their legs lately, and Yuya Kubo has missed the past two games with a sore foot.
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
Clair; Fisher, Boxall, Dibassy, Lawrence; Arriaga, Rosales; Danladi, Reynoso, Hlongwane; Lod
FC Cincinnati possible starting lineup:
Celentano; Powell, Hagglund, Murphy, Nelson; Nwobodo, Moreno; Harris, Acosta, Barreal; Vazquez
We say: Minnesota United 1-2 FC Cincinnati
Both of these teams have had similar seasons so far, playing confidently within their respective divisions which is why they are each in the playoff spots.
However, recent form does favor the visitors, and their ability to keep clean sheets while still being offensively impressive could be enough to give them the edge.
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