Seattle Sounders and Minnesota United renew their recent rivalry on Friday as they look to begin the new MLS campaign with a positive result.
After sixth and ninth-placed finishes respectively, these two teams met in the MLS Cup playoffs with the Sounders claiming a 3-2 win in the semi-finals.
Match preview
Having qualified for the playoffs in each of the last 12 attempts, the Sounders will be targeting another productive campaign this time around.
There was inevitably disappointment with failing to defend their MLS Cup crown last season, succumbing by a 3-0 scoreline at the hands of Columbus Crew.
Nevertheless, Brian Schmetzer will be confident that there will be no lasting effects as his side first attempt to finish at the top of the Western Conference standings.
Much is expected of key man Nicolas Lodeiro, who chipped in with seven goals and 10 assists from just 20 appearances in 2020.
There is also a buzz around the return of club legend Fredy Montero, with the forward having contributed 60 strikes in all competitions between 2009 and 2012.
While Minnesota narrowly lost out to the Sounders in the last four of the MLS Cup in December, the Loons enjoyed one of the best campaigns in recent memory.
Claiming fourth spot in the Western Conference matched their effort of the previous season, and they are now regarded as one of the most fancied sides in the division.
Adrian Heath has worked wonders since his arrival at the club, only increasing expectations that they can enjoy an even more productive year.
The departure of key man Kevin Molino came as a blow, but the additions of midfielder Will Trapp and forward Ramon Abila will only benefit this squad over the next eight months.
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Montero and fellow new arrival Kelyn Rowe could both feature for the Sounders in the final third.
Nouhou Tolo is expected to get the nod over former Bournemouth defender Brad Smith at left-back.
Minnesota are well stocked for options in midfield, meaning that Trapp may have to wait for his first start.
The same could apply to Abila, who only joined the club last week, so Juan Agudelo is expected to get the nod in attack.
Seattle Sounders possible starting lineup:
Frei; A.Roldan, Gomez, Arreaga, Nouhou; Lodeiro, C.Roldan, Joao Paulo, Rowe; Montero, Ruidiaz
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
St.Clair; Metanire, Boxall, Dibassy, Gasper; Alonso, Gregus; Finlay, Reynoso, Lod; Agudelo
We say: Seattle Sounders 2-1 Minnesota United
While this fixture is not the standout game of matchday one, it could prove to be one of the most competitive. The visitors will fancy their chances of causing a minor upset, but we are backing the Sounders to build on their performances at the end of last season.
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