Minnesota vs Portland Prediction: the Loons to Lose Points

Prediction for the MLS Minnesota vs Portland, which will take place on July 30. Who will turn out to be stronger? Check the team conditions! Several betting options are available.

Minnesota came into the league as the ugly duckling, but it didn't take long for it to turn into a beautiful swan. The United are a consistent playoff contender, and it's quite possible they'll take a shot at the league title in the near future. Right now, the Loons are 3rd in the Western Conference, although their play is far from perfect. Minnesota is just 3rd from bottom in the West in xG, and the team has plenty of defensive lapses. The next month also saw some big changes: forward Adrien Hunou left for Angers, and they haven't found a decent replacement for him yet. Sagir Arce has never played for the main team in MLS, and Alan Benitez is ready to come out only from the bench. Jacori Hayes, Kervin Arriaga, Hassani Dotson, Romain Métanire, Wil Trapp, Patryk Vega and Tani Oluwaseyi are injured, half of whom are not in the main rotation. The club's top scorer, Emanuel Reynoso, is in question, and his absence could be a serious loss for Minnesota.

Adrian Heath's team defeated Houston 2-1 on the road in their last MLS game. In the first half, they dominated and tried to create something at the Minnesota goal but United didn't have much going for them on offense for a long time. However, shortly before halftime, the 'loons got a one percent chance and Franco Fragapane converted a one-on-one opportunity. In the second half the team doubled their lead, and with the score 1:2 Minnesota was just a little lucky: Houston failed to take advantage of a scramble in the penalty box shortly before the final whistle. The victory over the Dynamo became the Giants' fourth in their last five MLS games.

The Timbers have also not lost in MLS for a long time: In their last 7 games the team has won 4 times and drawn 3. Portland has a knack for creating chances, even though they play somewhere in between the worst and the best. Their place in the standings fits right in: yhey are 8th in the West, behind the Los Angeles Galaxy only in extra points. Portland's stable roster situation certainly helped its ascent. No one has left over the summer, the club hasn't made a single transfer and their infirmary is empty. The only other player who won't play against Minnesota is Diego Gutierrez.

Last time they defeated the San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 at home. Back in the 1st half, Portland put pressure on the other team's goal, but eventually got a locker room goal from Benji Kikanovic himself. After the break, the Timbers kept up their momentum and deservedly took the lead. In the meantime, one of the club's leaders, Sebastian Blanco, did not show up for the game due to excessive yellow cards. Blanco scored 3 goals and made 7 assists in the current regular season.

Minnesota looked very confident before last week's game against Houston: defeating Everton in a friendly and dominating uncontested against DC United. The Dynamo nearly knocked off the Loons, who could also lose one of their leaders. Portland without Sebastian Blanco showed grit and defeated San Jose, and with their top creative player in the lineup the Timbers should only improve. Recent head-to-head meetings also speak in favor of the Timbers.

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