Minnesota United will be looking to move within one point of Vancouver Whitecaps at the top of the Western Conference table when they play host to Dallas on Saturday night.
The Bulls journey to Allianz Field unbeaten in each of their four away matches this season, claiming two wins and two draws, and will look to extend this impressive run this weekend.
Match preview
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Minnesota United were guilty of a lethargic display in the final third last Saturday as they played out a goalless draw against Toronto FC when the two sides met at the BMO Field.
A total of 17 shots were fired in the game, but with both teams failing to make the most of their chances, neither goalkeeper would end up picking the ball out of the back of the net, with a draw being a fair result upon reflection.
Despite that result, head coach Eric Ramsay will be pleased with his side's start to the season as the Loons are now unbeaten in seven games on the bounce, picking up four wins and three draws since a narrow 1-0 defeat against Los Angeles FC in February's season opener.
Minnesota United have picked up 15 points from their opening eight league matches to sit second in the Western Conference standings, four points behind leaders Vancouver Whitecaps.
This impressive start to the campaign has been owing to the solid job done at the defensive end of the pitch as Minnesota currently boast the second-best defensive record in the West, having conceded seven goals and kept four clean sheets so far.
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Over in Texas, Dallas were made to rue their lack of cutting edge at the attacking end of the pitch as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Seattle Sounders at the at the Toyota Stadium last weekend.
American winger Daniel Musovski struck in the 17th minute to put Seattle Sounders in front before repelling the home side to see out just their second league win of the campaign.
Prior to that, Dallas picked up consecutive wins for the first time this season when they edged out Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City in March, before salvaging a 1-1 draw against Atlanta United at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on April 6.
Eric Quill's men have won three of their opening eight MLS matches while losing three and claiming two draws to collect 11 points and sit eighth in the West but could move level with third-placed San Diego FC with all three points this weekend.
Dallas will be backing themselves to return to winning ways this weekend as they take on an opposing side against whom they are unbeaten in six of their last seven clashes, claiming four wins and two draws since September 2022.
Team News
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Minnesota United will take to the pitch without the services of French midfielder Owen Gene, who is set to sit out his third consecutive game after sustaining an ankle injury.
He is joined on the Loons' injury table by the American duo of Kipp Keller and 27-year-old midfielder Hassani Dotson, who are currently recuperating from thigh and knee injuries respectively.
Dallas, meanwhile, remain without the services of American midfielder Paxton Pomykal, who continues his lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury in March 2024.
Marco Farfan has missed each of the last two games since coming off injured against Sporting Kansas City in March while Brazilian defender Geovane Jesus is also recuperating from a long-term cruciate ligament problem.
American midfielder Sebastian Lletget missed the game against Seattle Sounders last time out through a leg injury and the 32-year-old is a major doubt for the trip to the Allianz Field.
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
St. Clair; Diaz, Boxall, Romero, Hlongwane, Rosales; Lod, Trapp, Pereyra; Oluwaseyi, Yeboah
Dallas possible starting lineup:
Paes; Moore, Ibeagha, Urhoghide, Norris; Ferreira, Ramiro; Julio, Acosta, Delgado; Musa
We say: Minnesota United 3-2 Dallas
Dallas came out on top in an eight-game thriller in their most recent clash against Minnesota United in June 2024 and we anticipate another action-packed contest with plenty of goalmouth action at the Allianz Field. However, home advantage gives the Loons an extra edge here and we are backing them to come out on top, albeit by a close margin.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Joshua Ojele
