Minnesota will entertain Portland Timbers at Allianz Field in Major League Soccer on Sunday. The hosts are hoping to maintain their inspiring run while the visitors will be looking to improve their away record.
Minnesota United have not looked back since their last defeat, which occurred at home against Houston Dynamo. They have recorded three straight wins and a draw since then and appear to be hungry for more.
Minnesota United sit second in the Western Conference table with 21 points ahead of matchday 14. However, they have two games in hands and could fend off the challenge of the three teams who are following closely with 21 points each. The hosts defeated Portland Timbers home and away in the 2023 regular season.
Portland Timbers returned to winning ways on Thursday, defeating San Jose Earthquakes 4-2 at Providence Park. It was the visitors’ first win in 10 matches and their third victory this term. Portland Timbers sit 11th with 13 points in the Western Conference and have conceded 27 goals thus far – second to the highest in the Conference. The visitors boast just one win on the road, drawing twice and losing five times.
Minnesota have won thrice, drawn once and lost once in their five matches, scoring 10 goals and conceding six times.
Minnesota vs Portland Timbers Head-to-Head
Minnesota have won twice, drawn once and lost twice in their last five clashes with Portland Timbers in all competitions.
Minnesota form guide (all competitions): D-W-W-W-L
Portland Timbers form guide (all competitions): W-L-L-L-D
Minnesota vs Portland Timbers News
Minnesota
Attacking midfielder Emanuel Reynoso makes an injury return while Hugo Bacharach, Jordan Adebayo-Smith and Moses Nyeman have been sidelined with injuries. Kervin Arriaga and Hassani Dotson are doubtful after missing Friday’s training session.
Injury: Hugo Bacharach, Jordan Adebayo-Smith and Moses Nyeman.
Doubtful: Kervin Arriaga and Hassani Dotson.
Suspension: None.
Unavailable: None.
Portland Timbers
Portland Timbers will miss the services of several payers due to injuries, including Kamal Miller, Claudio Bravo, Marvin Loria, Miguel Araujo and Dairon Asprilla.
Injury: Kamal Miller, Claudio Bravo, Marvin Loria, Miguel Araujo and Dairon Asprilla.
Doubtful: None.
Suspension: None.
Unavailable: None.
Minnesota vs Portland Timbers Predicted Xls
Minnesota (5-2-3): Dayne St. Clair (GK), DJ Taylor, Michael Boxall, Micky Tapias, Devin Padelford, Joseph Ropsales, Wil Trapp, Robin Lod, Bongi Hlongewane, Tani Oluwaseyi, Sang Bin Jeong
Portland Timbers (3-4-3): Maxime Crepeau, Zac McGraw, Eric Miller, Kamal Miller, Juan Mosquera, Diego Chara, Evander, Jonathan Rodriguez, Santiago Moreno, Felipe Mora, Antony
Minnesota vs Portland Timbers Prediction
It is a crucial meeting for Minnesota, who are hoping to maintain their place and keep three other teams at bay. Dropping points at this time would attract consequences.
Portland Timbers are yet to find success at Allianz Field after almost a dozen visits to the venue. Can they break the jinx this time?
Minnesota come into the match as the favorites based on form and home advantage.
Prediction: Minnesota 3-1 Portland Timbers