Seeking to avoid a third consecutive away defeat in the MLS, Minnesota United take a trip to the DRV PNK Stadium to face Inter Miami on Saturday.
The Herons, on the other hand, head into the game into the weekend on a five-game unbeaten run on home turf and will look to keep the juggernaut rolling.
Match preview
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Inter Miami were condemned to their third away defeat in four outings as they were beaten 2-0 by Atlanta United when the sides squared off last Sunday.
In a game where Jean Mota received his marching orders, Luiz Araujo and Josef Martinez scored on either side of the interval to hand the hosts all three points.
However, manager Phil Neville will be delighted with the solid job done on home turf, where they are unbeaten in six straight games across all competitions, claiming five wins and one draw since April's 3-1 loss against Houston Dynamo.
With 18 points from 15 games, Inter Miami are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference standings, four points and four places above rock-bottom Chicago Fire.
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Minnesota United, meanwhile, failed to find their feet in the MLS as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of New England Revolution last time out.
After Emanuel Reynoso converted his first-half penalty to put the Loons ahead, Colombian midfielder Dylan Borrero struck eight minutes into the second period to restore parity before Gustavo Bou completed the comeback in the 69th minute.
Adrian Heath's side head into the weekend winless in all but one of their last seven league outings — losing five and claiming one draw — with a 2-1 win at FC Dallas being the only exception.
This poor run has been owing to their struggles away from home, where they have picked up just three points from a possible 15, scoring four goals and shipping nine since the start of April.
Minnesota United have won five, drawn three and lost seven of their 15 games this season to collect 18 points and sit 11th in the Western Conference standings, level on points with 10th-placed Houston Dynamo.
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Team News
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Inter Miami will take to the pitch without Ian Fray, who continues his journey to full fitness after sustaining a severe ACL injury back in 2020.
He is joined on the club's injury table by Joevin Jones after the 30-year-old defender missed the game against Atlanta United through a leg injury.
Other names on the club's injury table include Brek Shea (shoulder) and Nick Marsman (back), while Jean Mota is suspended after receiving an early bath in the aforementioned game.
Like the hosts, Minnesota United will be without the services of several key players down the spine of the team as the likes of Abu Danladi, Niko Hansen and Callum Montgomery all continue their spells on the sidelines.
Heath will be unable to call upon the services of 24-year-old midfielder Hassani Dotson, who has been out of action since last April through an ACL injury, while Romain Metanire misses out through a thigh problem.
The duo of Patrick Weah and Nigerian forward Tani Oluwaseyi are yet to make an appearance this year as they are currently recuperating from ACL and muscle injuries respectively.
Inter Miami possible starting lineup:
Callender; Yedlin, Lowe, Mabika, McVey; Gregore, Vassilev, Taylor; Duke, Lassiter, Campana
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
St. Clair; Taylor, Kallman, Dibassy, Lawrence; Hayes, Trapp; Hansen, Reynoso, Fragapane; Lod
We say: Inter Miami 2-1 Minnesota United
Minnesota United have struggled to get going in recent weeks, managing just one win since the start of May. Inter Miami, meanwhile, head into the game as one of the most in-form sides at home in the east and we predict they will make use of their home advantage once again.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Joshua Ojele
