Minnesota United will host Seattle Sounders for tonight’s match at Allianz Field. The hosts are undefeated at home in their last four and will surely want to keep their streak alive; however, they have not won against Sounders once since 2008, picking up only one draw and seven head-to-head losses since.
Minnesota United vs Seattle Sounders
When: Sunday, July 18 – 14:00 EDT
Where: Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota
Weather: Sunny, 29°C
Seattle Sounders are the only team in the MLS that’s still without a single defeat in the 2021 season. However, oddsmakers think that might come to an end this afternoon, having priced Minnesota United as a 1.95 favourite at the time of writing.
So, why is that the case? One explanation is that Minnesota United are excellent at home. However, the fact is that they lost two of the previous three games against Seattle Sounders played in their home stadium.
Minnesota Boosted by Their Form at Home
In 12 games of the 2021 season, Minnesota collected a total of 15 points, thanks to four wins and three draws. Of those four victories, three happened at Allianz Field, where Minnesota managed 10 points on the season.
What’s perhaps even more impressive is that the Loons are undefeated at home since May 1, when they (surprisingly) lost to Austin FC. Their most recent home outing ended in a 2-2 draw with San Jose Earthquakes, in a game where Minnesota dominated throughout the 90 minutes.
With the support of their fans, Minnesota United look capable of winning (or at least not losing) against literally any team in the league. The trouble with tonight’s game is that the hosts won’t be able to count on several of their first-team players.
Their first-choice goalie Dayne St. Clair is out on international duty. Meanwhile, three defenders – Romain Metanire, Michael Boxall, and Bakaye Dibassy are all injured.
On top of everything, Minnesota United will also be without their #9, Argentine striker Ramon Abila. The man who arrived from Boca Juniors before the start of the 2021 MLS season picked up a red card in the last round, so he’ll have to stay away from the pitch this afternoon while he serves his suspension.
Seattle Sounders Determined to Continue Their Superb Run
Seattle Sunders sit at the very top of the Western Conference, three points clear of Sporting Kansas City. They have won eight of the 13 games played so far while also drawing five. They’re still without a single defeat on the season.
Furthermore, Seattle’s form has been fantastic, and they have been highly efficient on both sides of the pitch. With 23 goals scored, the Sounders are the second most productive team in the Western Conference. They’re also the best defensive team in the conference, having conceded only eight goals from 13 outings.
Minnesota United were not nearly as efficient in defending their goal. In comparison, the Loons leaked twice as many goals even though they’ve played one game less than Seattle Sounders in 2021.
The big question is whether the Sounders can keep their good form going? Same as Minnesota United, Sounders will miss a few key figures. Goalkeeper Stefan Frei is out, same as Nicolas Lodeiro. On top of that, Shane O’Neill and Nouhou Tolo are doubtful and likely won’t feature today.
Minnesota United vs Seattle Sounders Betting Picks
Minnesota United are a decent team that’s exceptionally efficient at home. However, they have yet to face as strong an opponent as Seattle Sounders, who are bound to cause some issues for the hosts today.
Seattle Sounders are the top team in the Western Conference, and you don’t get here without performing on the road. Sounders are 3-2-0 in away games and 3-1-0 in their last four, which includes a win against the third-best home team in the conference, Los Angeles Galaxy.
Pick: Seattle Sounders +0.50 Asian Handicap – 1.89 at Unibet
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