Minnesota United and Colorado Rapids meet in a pivotal Major League Soccer Western Conference showdown this weekend, with the hosts currently ninth, battling to secure a wildcard playoff spot and aware that a win could edge them closer to the guaranteed playoff places as the season draws to a close.
Colorado, sitting in third place with 50 points, come into this match in excellent form with four wins from their last five outings and they will be eager to close the gap on second-placed Real Salt Lake and secure a favourable playoff spot after a two-year absence from the playoffs.
Match preview
Minnesota head into this match with the clear objective of securing their wildcard playoff spot in the Western Conference as they currently sit in ninth place with 42 points after 30 matches and understand the importance of capitalising on every remaining opportunity to stay in the post-season picture.
Their recent form has been encouraging with three wins in their last five outings, including a vital 2-0 victory against Sporting Kansas City, although the two losses in that stretch serve as a reminder that any lapse in concentration could prove costly as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
Minnesota's recent home form has been concerning with back-to-back losses to Cincinnati and Seattle Sounders contributing to a longer stretch where they have won just one of their last seven home games, leaving both fans and players mindful of this inconsistency at Allianz Field.
On the attacking front, Minnesota have been fairly productive this season, scoring 50 goals in 30 games, with key players like Robin Lod and Bongokuhle Hlongwane contributing 35 goals between them, but their defence remains a vulnerability with 48 goals conceded so far.
The Loons have won seven of their last nine meetings against the Rapids at Allianz Field, a run that should instil confidence despite their current struggles on home turf, whilst they have also claimed victory in four of their last six overall encounters with this opponent, suggesting they possess the know-how to secure results against Colorado.
Pids enter this match in a strong position, sitting third in the Western Conference with 50 points after 30 games.
They have had a solid season, particularly in attack where they have scored 58 goals, aiding their hunt to finish as high as possible, with just one point separating them from second-placed Real Salt Lake.
The Rapids are in excellent form, having won four of their last five matches, and they will be determined to continue that momentum against Minnesota, a side they have historically struggled to beat on the road.
Despite their impressive form, Colorado's away performances have been less consistent as they have managed just three wins from their last 10 away matches in all competitions, which could be a concern as they visit a Minnesota team fighting to secure a playoff berth; however, with confidence running high following a strong run of recent results, the visitors will be hopeful they can reverse their away struggles and secure a vital result.
A key factor in the visitors' recent success has been their potent attack, which has delivered 58 goals this season, making them one of the most dangerous sides in the conference, and they will hope to exploit their hosts' shaky defence, which has conceded 48 goals.
Defensively, the Rapids will need to tighten up if they want to secure a result, having conceded 50 goals this season, and while their attack has often compensated for defensive lapses, they will be aware that Minnesota have the firepower to punish them if they leave gaps at the back.
Team News
DJ Taylor is ruled out for the hosts with a thigh injury, which has sidelined him for the time being, and his absence may be felt as the hosts look to shore up their backline against a potent Colorado Rapids attack.
Zarek Valentin is also unavailable, nursing a foot injury that has continued to prevent him from being a part of the matchday squad.
Lod's two assists in the last game have now taken his goal contributions to an impressive total of 20 for the season, and his ability to influence the game will be crucial as he aims to build on this momentum in the upcoming clash against Colorado.
Kevin Cabral is confirmed to be out of the match due to an elbow injury, while Sam Vines remains absent for the visitors with a hamstring issue.
Lalas Abubakar's status is still questionable as he is currently in concussion protocol; his availability will be closely monitored leading up to this game.
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
St Clair; Diaz, Boxall, Trapp, Rosales; Dotson, Harvey; Hlongwane, Lod, Pereyra; Yeboah
Colorado Rapids possible starting lineup:
Steffen; Anderson, Edwards, Maxso, Cannon; Ronan, Larraz; Yapi, Mihailovic, Bassett; Navarro
We say: Minnesota United 2-2 Colorado Rapids
Both teams have shown attacking prowess, with Minnesota scoring 50 goals and Colorado netting 58 this season.
However, both sides also have defensive vulnerabilities, with Minnesota conceding 48 and Colorado 50, suggesting an open and competitive match.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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