In-form Western Conference outfit Minnesota United will welcome Sporting Kansas City to Allianz Field for their MLS clash on Thursday.
The Loons have won each of their last three matches, while the Wizards have come out on top in only three of their last 15 league games.
Match preview
© Reuters
After three successive MLS defeats, Minnesota have since claimed three consecutive victories against LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake and Vancouver Whitecaps, scoring three goals in each game.
The Loons secured 3-2 wins against Galaxy and RSL before claiming a 3-1 victory away against Vancouver last weekend, with Kemar Lawrence, Luis Amarilla and Franco Fragapane all on the scoresheet.
That result has seen Adrian Heath's side climb into the playoffs and up to sixth in the Western Conference, although they are still some way off the summit as they are 12 points behind league leaders Los Angeles FC.
Minnesota experienced contrasting results against Sporting Kansas City within a three-month period in 2021. A goalless draw on home soil, was followed by a heavy 4-0 away defeat before they bounced back with a 2-1 home win in their most recent encounter against them.
Victory at Allianz Field on Thursday would see them claim three successive home wins in MLS for the first time since the summer of last year.
© Reuters
After suffering back-to-back defeats without scoring against Seattle Sounders and New York Red Bulls, Sporting Kansas City returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory away against Montreal CF last weekend.
Romell Quioto put the hosts in front in the 13th minute, but the visitors turned the game on its head with strikes either side of half time from Roger Espinoza and Remi Walter helping them secure just their fifth MLS win of the campaign.
Peter Vermes's side have climbed off the foot of the Western Conference and up to 13th place, but they are still eight points behind the playoff positions, albeit with 14 games still remaining.
Kansas City have struggled defensively for some time in MLS, keeping only two clean sheets in their last 15 league matches and they have conceded a total of 34 goals this season; only basement club San Jose Earthquakes (37) have conceded more in the Western Conference so far this term.
The Wizards head into Thursday's contest having won only one of their 10 away encounters against Minnesota across all competitions, a 2-1 league win in August 2020.
- L
- L
- L
- W
- W
- W
- L
- L
- W
- L
- L
- W
- L
- W
- W
- L
- L
- W
Team News
© Reuters
Minnesota will be without Patrick Weah, Hassani Dotson (both knee), Niko Hansen, Romain Metanire (both thigh) and Kervin Arriaga (ankle) due to injury.
Heath is unlikely to make too many changes, if any, to his starting lineup, with a back four of DJ Taylor, Michael Boxall, Bakaye Dibassy and Lawrence set to remain intact, shielding goalkeeper Dayne St Clair.
South American duo Emanuel Reynoso and Amarilla, who have scored 12 MLS goals between them this term, are expected to keep their places in attack.
As for Sporting Kansas City, Gadi Kinda and Alan Pulido remain sidelined with long-term knee injuries, while Ozzie Cisneros (hamstring), Nikola Vujnovic (calf) and Kortne Ford (concussion) are also on the treatment table.
Thirty-five-year-old right-back Graham Zusi has missed the last two games with a thigh problem and remains doubtful for Thursday's contest, with 19-year-old Kayden Pierre set to retain his place in the back four as a result.
Midfield duo Espinoza and Walter will be looking to build on their goals in the last match and are expected to start again in the middle of the pitch, while Johnny Russell, Daniel Salloi and Khiry Shelton are all set to continue in attack.
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
Clair; Taylor, Boxall, Dibassy, Lawrence; Trapp, Lod; Hlongwane, Reynoso, Fragapane; Amarilla
Sporting Kansas City possible starting lineup:
Melia; Pierre, Fontas, Isimat-Mirin, Ndenbe; Duke, Walter, Espinoza; Russell, Shelton, Salloi
We say: Minnesota United 2-1 Sporting Kansas City
Both sides will be looking to build on their victories last weekend, with Minnesota seeking to secure their fourth successive MLS victory and climb into the top three of the Western Conference.
Considering the form the hosts will take into Thursday's game and their superior home record against Kansas City, we feel that the Loons will come away with all three points at Allianz Field.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
