Two high-flying teams go head to head at the Allianz Field on Saturday as Minnesota United entertain the challenge of Portland Timbers.
The hosts are seeking a seventh win in eight games across all competitions, while the away side look to extend their seven-match unbeaten run.
Match preview
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Minnesota United claimed a third away win on the bounce courtesy of a narrow 2-1 victory over Houston Dynamo at PNC Stadium on Sunday.
Adrian Heath's men took control of the contest thanks to goals from Franco Fragapane and Bongokuhle Hlongwane before Fafa Picault pulled one back late on.
Consequently, the Loons have moved up to third place in the Western Conference, albeit still a whopping 11 points adrift of Los Angeles FC at the top of the pile.
Awaiting them next is a clash versus an opposing side who have won each of the last two meetings between the teams after failing to win any of the eight clashes prior to that.
Off the back of a 4-0 demolition of Premier League outfit Everton in their last home outing, Saturday's hosts will be looking to pick up where they left off in front of their fans.
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Portland Timbers just about saw off the threat of San Jose Earthquakes in a comeback 2-1 victory at the Providence Park on Sunday.
After going behind to Benjamin Kikanovic's opener, Giovanni Savarese's men hit back through second-half strikes from Jaroslaw Niezgoda and Dairon Asprilla.
With 30 points from 22 matches so far, the Timbers remain eighth in the Western Conference, outside the playoff places only on goal difference.
Having ended an eight-game winless streak on the road in their last away involvement, Saturday's visitors go in search of consecutive triumphs on enemy territory for the first time since the turn of the year.
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Team News
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Diego Gutierrez is yet to feature since March due to a long-term knee problem, and the midfielder remains unavailable for Portland Timbers.
Having scored five times in his last five matches for the away side, Polish forward Jaroslaw Niezgoda is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Luis Amarilla is a huge doubt for Minnesota United after he was hauled off with a first-half injury against Houston Dynamo last time out.
Top scorer Emanuel Reynoso did not feature in the aforementioned game, but the 26-year-old is expected to return to the starting XI for this one.
Once again, this weekend's hosts will be without the services of Kervin Arriaga, Hassani Dotson, Romain Metanire, Patrick Weah and Tanitoluwa Oluwaseyi.
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
Dayne; Lawrence, Dibassy, Boxall, Taylor; Kibunguchy, Lod; Fragapane, Rosales, Hlongwane; Danladi
Portland Timbers possible starting lineup:
Ivacic; Bravo, Zuparic, Mabiala, Van Rankin; Asprilla, Chara, Loria, Williamson; Chara, Niezgoda
We say: Minnesota United 2-1 Portland Timbers
There is very little to separate the sides heading into this weekend's encounter, which could easily swing either way. We are anticipating an open and end-to-end affair here with a narrow win for the hosts in the end.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Adepoju Marvellous
