Still searching for their first win of this MLS season, Los Angeles Galaxy travel to Minnesota United on Saturday, hoping to extend their dominance in this fixture.
The reigning MLS Cup champions have endured a difficult start to the campaign, collecting just one point from their opening four matches. However, history is on their side, having won 10 of their 18 previous encounters against Minnesota.
Match preview
Minnesota United began their season with a 1-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC but have since bounced back impressively, picking up two wins and a draw in their last three matches.
Eric Ramsay's men secured back-to-back 1-0 victories over CF Montreal and San Jose Earthquakes before playing out a dramatic 3-3 draw away to Sporting Kansas City last time out.
However, the nature of that draw will have frustrated Loons head coach Ramsay, as his side raced into a 3-0 lead by the 46th minute, only to concede three times by the 80th and drop two points.
Despite that setback, Minnesota's strong run has lifted them to fourth in the Western Conference with seven points, and they will be confident of extending their unbeaten streak, particularly given their formidable home form.
The Loons have won their last four MLS home matches, including a post-season victory over Real Salt Lake that extended into extra time.
Their recent record in this fixture also bodes well, as they are unbeaten in their last four home meetings with LA Galaxy, winning two and drawing two - a marked improvement after failing to win any of their first five such encounters.
Meanwhile, LA Galaxy have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning the last three clashes between the sides - twice in the MLS and once in a pre-season match last month.
However, Greg Vanney's side have endured a torrid start to the new campaign, losing three of their four league games while managing just one draw.
A 2-0 loss to San Diego, a 2-1 defeat against Vancouver Whitecaps, and a 3-0 hammering at the hands of St Louis City left them in dire straits, and they appeared to be heading for another defeat against Portland Timbers after conceding in the 49th minute, but Christian Ramirez's 81st-minute equaliser salvaged a 1-1 draw and gave them their first point of the season.
From scoring the most goals in the Western Conference last season (69), the Galaxy have now netted the fewest (two) this term, which has been the root of their struggles.
However, with eight goals scored and only three conceded in their last two MLS meetings with Minnesota, the visitors will be hoping this fixture can reignite their attacking form and kick-start their season.
Team News
Minnesota United remain without Kipp Keller, who is still recovering from a thigh injury, while Joseph Rosales remains sidelined with a muscle problem.
Tani Oluwaseyi (Canada), who has scored twice this season, and attack partner Robin Lod (Finland), are away on international duty, leaving Kelvin Yeboah as the likely candidate to lead the line.
Michael Boxall (New Zealand), Carlos Harvey (Panama), and first-choice goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair (Canada) are also away with their respective countries.
LA Galaxy, meanwhile, will be without Lucas Sanabria, who is recovering from a collarbone injury, and Riqui Puig, who remains sidelined with a knee issue.
Joseph Paintsil missed the last game due to a groin problem, while Mauricio Cuevas is still nursing a hamstring strain, and both players remain doubtful for this fixture.
Harbor Miller is away on international duty with the USA Under-18s side, while Ruben Ramos Jr. has teamed up with the USA Under-20s side.
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
Smir; Hlongwane, Diaz, Romero, Duggan, Markanich; Dotson, Trapp, Pereyra; Yeboah, Sang-In
Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:
McCarthy; Nelson, Jorgensen, Yoshida, Aude; Parente, Cerrillo, Lepley; Pec, Fagundez, Berry
We say: Minnesota United 1-1 Los Angeles Galaxy
LA Galaxy are struggling for both confidence and goals at the moment, but a team of their calibre can never be entirely ruled out. However, given Minnesota's strong home form and recent home dominance in this fixture, the hosts should have enough to take something from this encounter, which is why we anticipate a closely contested affair ending in a draw.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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