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Houston Dynamo
Major League Soccer | Gameweek 28
Aug 29, 2021 at 1.30am UK
Robertson Stadium
Minnesota United

Houston
1 - 2
Minnesota Utd

Carrasquilla (1')
Dorsey (61'), Hadebe (73'), Valentin (77')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Hunou (16', 73')

Preview: Houston Dynamo vs. Minnesota United - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Major League Soccer clash between Houston Dynamo and Minnesota United, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Minnesota United are looking to return to winning ways on Sunday when they travel to struggling Houston Dynamo in the MLS Western Conference.

Adrian Heath's side have only managed one win in their last six outings, which came against this weekend's opponents at the beginning of August, while Houston did end a four-game run of defeats with a draw last time out.


Match preview

Houston Dynamo FC head coach Tab Ramos reacts on June 24, 2021© Reuters

Houston have not tasted victory since the end of May when they beat Vancouver Whitecaps, now putting together a run of 14 games without a win, which places them at the bottom of the Western Conference.

Fabrice Picault and Matias Vera earned Houston a point at the BBVA Stadium last weekend when Dallas made the short trip across Texas, which was a missed opportunity to draw level on points with their visitors.

One positive from that game will be that Picault has now scored four goals in his last five games, and he has already bettered his goal tallies from the previous two MLS seasons, when he played for Philadelphia Union and Dallas.

Tab Ramos's side have only lost once at home this season, despite their poor league position, which they will have to take confidence from heading into Sunday's clash with Minnesota.

This game on Sunday is Houston's second at home in a run of four back-to-back fixtures at the BBVA Stadium, so they will see it as a good time to capitalise on their slightly better home form to pick up much needed points.

Minnesota United midfielder Will Trapp (20) is congratulated by defender Brent Kallman (14) and defender D.J. Taylor (26) for scoring a goal against the San Jose Earthquakes during the first half at PayPal Park on August 17, 2021© Reuters

Minnesota have not managed more than two consecutive victories in the MLS this season, and after their victory against Houston, the side have not won in three matches.

In their last outing, Heath's side could not capitalise on their numerical advantage after Remi Walter was sent off for Sporting Kansas City just 21 minutes into that game.

The home side went on to dominate possession and register seven shots on target, but Tim Melia stayed strong in Sporting's goal to keep Minnesota out.

Compared to the teams around and particularly above Minnesota, the side are not as prolific in front of goal, only scoring 22 goals so far, and they will need to be wary of Portland Timbers in eighth, as they are only four points behind.

Minnesota were comfortable winners when these two sides last met, with goals from Robin Lod and Brent Kallman securing a 2-0 win for the home side at the Allianz Field.

Houston Dynamo Major League Soccer form:
  • D
  • L
  • L
  • L
  • L
  • D

Minnesota United Major League Soccer form:
  • D
  • D
  • W
  • L
  • D
  • D



Team News

Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath during the first half against the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park on August 17, 2021© Reuters

Corey Baird joined Houston from Los Angeles FC in July but only managed three games before suffering a ligament injury, which has ruled him out of action until October.

Tyler Pasher has not featured for Houston since he was forced off in the first half against Austin at the beginning of August, and Sunday's clash with Minnesota is likely to come too early for his return.

Maximiliano Urruti returned to the starting 11 last time out, in place of Ariel Lassiter, which was the only change from the side which started against Salt Lake, and Ramos is expected to name the same lineup to the one that started last time out.

Heath is faced with an attacking shortage heading into Sunday's fixture, with Niko Hansen, Franco Fragapane and top goalscorer Lod all unavailable for selection due to injury.

Adrien Hunou will lead the line for the visitors, with Emanuel Reynoso behind him looking to create chances from an attacking midfield role and add to his three assists this season.

Houston Dynamo possible starting lineup:
Maric; Lundqvist, Hadebe, Parker, Valentin; Ceren, Vera; Picault, Carrasquilla, Dorsey; Urruti

Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
Miller; Gasper, Dibassy, Boxall, Metanire; Trapp, Alonso; Dotson, Reynoso, Finlay; Hunou


SM words green background

We say: Houston Dynamo 1-1 Minnesota United

Houston have an opportunity to string a few positive results together during their run of back-to-back games at home, and they will back themselves to get on the scoresheet after netting twice last time out.

Minnesota are not in great form having only won once in their last six games, and their recent games have been low scoring and that is likely to continue on Sunday as the side continue without Robin Lod.



Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data



ID:460953:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect9926:
Written by
Sammy Wynne

Data Analysis

Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Houston Dynamo win with a probability of 40.41%. A win for Minnesota United had a probability of 34.93% and a draw had a probability of 24.7%.

The most likely scoreline for a Houston Dynamo win was 2-1 with a probability of 8.73%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 1-0 (8.24%) and 2-0 (6.26%). The likeliest Minnesota United win was 1-2 (8.02%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (11.49%). The actual scoreline of 1-2 was predicted with an 8% likelihood.


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Game History

How you voted: Houston vs Minnesota Utd

Houston Dynamo
16.7%
Draw
55.6%
Minnesota United
27.8%
18
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New York City FC forward Valentin Castellanos (11) celebrates a goal by forward Santiago Rodriguez (not pictured) against Toronto FC with defender Malte Amundsen (12) and forward Thiago (8) during the first half at BMO Field on August 7, 2021
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