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

Two teams at the opposite ends of the Major League Soccer Western Conference will meet on Saturday as Houston Dynamo make the trip to Allianz Field as they face Minnesota United.

The visitors are second bottom right now with only goal difference keeping them above Sporting Kansas City, meanwhile, the hosts head into this one following consecutive victories.

Match preview

Michael Boxall in action for Minnesota United on August 14, 2022 © Reuters

Minnesota United have only lost once in their previous six matches, with their confidence building as the season ramps up.

The club might be 16 points behind Los Angeles FC, but they are close to both Dallas and Austin FC, providing the squad with plenty to fight for.

The Loons defeated Austin in their most recent outing, with goals from Emanuel Reynoso and Franco Fragapane ensuring they took three points with a 2-1 win.

Minnesota have only lost three times at home this season, showcasing the strength that they have at Allianz Field with their fans behind them, which they will be hoping to continue this weekend.

When the two teams met earlier this season it was Minnesota that secured the win, and that is a result that they will be confident of replicating here.

Darwin Quintera in action for Houston Dynamo on August 5, 2022 © Reuters

Fragapane and Bongokuhle Hlongwane were on the scoresheet that day in a 2-1 win, and that is the type of result that Houston Dynamo will be keen to forget about.

Orange Crush are second-bottom at the moment, and with only goal difference keeping them in that position there is a lot of pressure to secure a result this weekend.

However, Houston are without three points in their previous five outings, a run which has included four defeats.

Paulo Nagamura's men showcased their ability to fight until the last minute during their most recent outing though, picking up a point during a 1-1 draw against Colorado Rapids.

Despite the fact that they fell a goal behind at the start of the second half, Houston continued to battle with Sebastian Ferreira scoring a 95th-minute equaliser.

Minnesota United Major League Soccer form:

Houston Dynamo Major League Soccer form:

Team News

Minnesota United FC midfielder Emanuel Reynoso (10) celebrates with forward Bongokuhle Hlongwane (21) after scoring a goal during the first half against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park on June 29, 2022 © Reuters

Reynoso and Fragapane have been attacking threats throughout this season, particularly recently, and both men are likely to retain their place in the starting lineup this weekend.

Will Trapp and Romain Metanire have been dealing with thigh issues as of late, and that is something that could continue to keep both men out of the squad.

Tim Parker missed the most recent match for Houston because of COVID-19, but he could be available this time around if he returns a negative test.

Teenage Hadebe has also been missing recently because of injury, but Ferreira is fresh from scoring in his most recent performance and should be prepared to lead the line.

Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
Clair; Benitez, Boxall, Dibassy, Taylor; Arriaga, Lod; Hlongwane, Reynoso, Fragapane; Amarilla

Houston Dynamo possible starting lineup:
Clark; Dorsey, Parker, Steres, Lundqvist; Vera, Herrera; Rodriguez, Baird, Carrasquilla; Ferreira

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We say: Minnesota United 3-0 Houston Dynamo

Houston Dynamo have got a lot to play for right now considering their league position, and after securing a draw in their most recent match they will be set to push their opponents in this one.

However, Minnesota have been one of the strongest teams in the MLS this season, and that is something that should lead to them securing a comfortable victory.

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