Preview: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Minnesota United - prediction, team news, lineups

With only goal difference separating them in the Major League Soccer Western Conference, Vancouver Whitecaps and Minnesota United will be looking to create a clear gap on Saturday when they meet at BC Place.

The hosts head into this match in the midst of a four-match undefeated streak, which has provided plenty of confidence, while the visitors have won consecutive games recently.

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Match preview

Vancouver Whitecaps are enjoying a good season to this point, even though it has not been overly consistent with seven victories, three draws, and eight defeats so far in the MLS.

Despite that Vanni Sartini's men have been able to create a four-match run without a loss heading into this game, which they will now be looking to extend to five on Saturday.

Vancouver defeated Los Angeles FC by a goal to nil in their most recent outing, even if they left it until late, with Andres Cubas scoring in the 89th minute to secure the win.

This also marked consecutive games where the Blue and White were able to keep a clean sheet, with Cody Cropper showcasing his quality in goal.

Right now they sit just behind their opponents in the league table, but with only goal difference creating that gap, Vancouver have the opportunity to overtake them with a victory this weekend.

Of course, that means that Minnesota United will also have the chance to extend the difference between them, as a victory would take them three points ahead.

A win for either team would give both teams the opportunity to potentially climb as high as fourth in the table due to the closeness between them all right now.

Adrian Heath will no doubt be hoping for a slightly calmer game this Saturday after he has witnessed his team win 3-2 twice in a row.

While Minnesota have showcased their ability to fight for the three points, being involved in consecutive five-goal thrillers has no doubt pushed the squad to its limits.

The most recent of those results took place at the weekend against Real Salt Lake with a brace from Emanuel Reynoso and a goal from Luis Amarilla proving to be enough.

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Team News

After keeping three clean sheets in a row during Vancouver's MLS games it is unlikely that any changes will be made defensively, with Cropper set to start in goal.

Sebastian Berhalter is unavailable due to a stress fracture in his foot, while both Erik Godoy and Cristian Gutierrez are out of action due to calf strains at the moment.

Cubas will no doubt be taking up a role in central midfield and Michael Baldisimo could be set to make a return after missing the recent game due to a concussion.

After scoring twice in their last outing Reynoso will retain his position as the attacking midfielder for the visitors, where he will work behind Amarilla.

Minnesota are also without the services of Hassani Dotson and Patrick Weah, who are dealing with ACL injuries at the moment.

Vancouver Whitecaps possible starting lineup:

Cropper; Brown, Veselinovic, Blackmon; Godinho, Teibert, Cubas, Raposo, Gauld; White, Cavallini

Minnesota United possible starting lineup:

Clair; Taylor, Boxall, Dibassy, Lawrence; Trapp, Lod; Hlongwane, Reynoso, Fragapane; Amarilla

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We say: Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 Minnesota United

With very little separating the two teams in the league table, this will no doubt be a closely fought encounter between them on Saturday as they both look to gain dominance in the division.

Vancouver Whitecaps have the home advantage here though, and they are in stronger form overall as of late, which is something that should lead to them picking up the win.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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