Minnesota United face Vancouver Whitecaps at Allianz Field in a huge match on the final day of the MLS Western Conference on Sunday.
The home side head into the game knowing that either a win or a draw will be enough to secure a place in the playoffs, while a win for Vancouver would mean that they overtake their opponents and take the crucial seventh spot for themselves.
Match preview
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Minnesota United find themselves in a position that would not have seemed possible at the start of September, having to get a result on the final day to secure their place in the playoffs.
In that time, Adrian Heath's side have tumbled from third to seventh in the Western Conference, gaining only one point in their last six matches, and now they are in serious danger of missing out on the playoffs altogether.
The most disappointing defeat of them all came last time out, losing 2-0 away at San Jose Earthquakes, a team that have nothing to play for and who are currently occupying bottom place in the table.
Prior to that, The Loons were soundly beaten by fellow strugglers Sporting Kansas City, losing 4-1 on the road, and so they will be happy to be back at home for such an important match, with only one loss in their six-game losing run coming at Allianz Field.
Despite recent form, Minnesota will go into the game knowing that their destiny is in their own hands, and that they should have enough quality to get a draw, considering that was the result in their last home match, against top-of-the-table Los Angeles FC.
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In complete contrast to their opponents, Vancouver head into the game on a great run of form, winning their last three matches to make an unexpected push for the playoffs.
Not only that, the quality of the opponents that the wins have been against is particularly impressive, beating Los Angeles FC 3-0 and second-place Austin FC 2-0 to put themselves in this promising position.
In the middle of those two games was a hard-fought home win against Seattle Sounders, with Vancouver coming out on top despite having just 34% possession, and fewer attempts on goal than their opponents.
Having hit form at exactly the right time, Vanni Sartini's side just need one more win to reach the playoffs, but it will not be easy, especially when you consider that their last away win came against FC Dallas way back in June.
Team News
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Minnesota have run into injury trouble at completely the wrong time, with some important players being sidelined in recent weeks and unable to play in this weekend's vital match.
One such player is Bakaye Dibassy - the midfielder has been unavailable since picking up a tendon issue in his side's last win at the end of August, and the 33-year-old has been a big miss so far.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane has also been absent of late, suffering with a knee injury that will keep him out until the end of October, while midfielder Robin Lod has missed the last two, but he is making good progress, and may be back in time to be in contention.
Another boost for Minnesota is having Emanuel Reynoso back, with the midfielder who has 10 goals and 10 assists to his name this season missing some recent games through a combination of injury and suspension.
With no fresh injury concerns, Sartini is not expected to make too many changes to the side that has won them their last two matches.
Ryan Gauld is set to start on the left wing after impressing recently, with two goals in his last three taking his tally to a respectable eight goals for the season, also chiming in with nine assists.
One potential change for Vancouver is at striker, with Lucas Cavallini expected to get the nod after scoring within three minutes of being brought on as a substitute last time out, potentially replacing Brian White.
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
St. Clair; Lawrence, Kallman, Boxall, Taylor; Arriaga, Trapp, Garcia Torres, Reynoso, Fragapane; Amarilla
Vancouver Whitecaps possible starting lineup:
Hasal; Nerwinski, Veselinovic, Blackmon; Gressel, Cubas, Teibert, Martins; Vite, Gauld, Cavallini
We say: Minnesota United 1-1 Vancouver Whitecaps
Despite their recent form, we expect Minnesota United to just about get over the line and make the playoffs, although it will be with a draw.
Vancouver Whitecaps have not won away from home since June, and it will be too much of an ask for them to end this run in such a crucial game.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Dominic Lund
