Two sides who could do with a win go head to head in MLS as Minnesota United play host to DC United at Allianz Field on Wednesday evening.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides since July 2022, when the Loons picked up a 2-0 home victory courtesy of a brace from Argentine midfielder Emanuel Reynoso.
Match preview
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Minnesota United were let down by their defence once again as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Houston Dynamo when the sides squared off at the Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday.
Following a relatively uneventful first half, experienced midfielder Robin Lod broke the deadlock in the 70th minute to put the visitors on course for a much-needed victory, but Sebastian Ferreira struck in the 82nd minute to force a share of the spoils.
Minnesota United have now gone eight consecutive matches without a win, picking up just two points from a possible 24 since claiming a 3-1 home victory over Sporting Kansas City on June 2.
This poor run has been owing to their recent defensive vulnerabilities as the Loons have conceded 29 goals and failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 15 matches since beating Charlotte FC 2-0 at the Bank of America Stadium in April.
Having lost each of their previous six matches, Sunday's draw was a positive result for Eric Ramsay's men, one that the 32-year-old will hope his side can build upon as they look to return into the top half of the Western Conference table.
Minnesota United have won eight of their 23 MLS matches so far while losing nine and claiming six draws to collect 30 points and sit ninth in the West, level on points with 10th-placed Austin.
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DC United, on the other hand, turned in a resilient team performance at the weekend when they fought back from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Nashville at Audi Field.
After falling behind to Tyler Boyd's 19th-minute strike, Colombian striker Cristian Dajome took matters into his own hands in the second half as he scored twice in a five-minute spell to turn the game on its head.
This brought much-needed relief to under-fire head coach Troy Lesesne as the Black-and-Red had failed to win any of their previous 11 matches, losing eight and claiming three draws since scraping a 3-2 victory over Atlanta United in May.
With 23 points from 24 league matches, DC United currently sit 12th in the Eastern Conference standings, just two points above rock-bottom Philadelphia Union, but could move level with ninth-placed Nashville with a win on Wednesday.
However, results on the road offer little optimism as the six-time conference champions have picked up just one point from their last four away matches and are on a run of one win in their last 16 competitive away games since July 2023.
Team News
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Minnesota United remain without the services of veteran goalkeeper Clint Irwin, who has missed the last five matches after sustaining an injury in June, while defender DJ Taylor has been ruled out through a leg injury.
They are joined on the Loons' injury table by Moses Nyemann and Spanish defender Hugo Bacharach, who have been sidelined through ankle and knee injuries respectively.
American midfielder Wil Trapp has missed each of the last three games since coming off injured against Portland Timbers in June and will also play no part in Wednesday's game.
Meanwhile, DC United will take to the pitch without several players down the spine of the team as Kristian Fletcher (ankle), Jackson Hopkins (back) and Steve Birnbaum (knee) are all recuperating from injuries.
Conner Antley has been out of action since picking up a knee injury against Atlanta United in May, while midfielder Russell Canouse continues his lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
Smir; Harvey, Boxall, Tapias, Jeong, Padelford; Bran, Dotson, Rosales; Hlongwane, Lod
DC United possible starting lineup:
Bono; Herrera, McVey, Peltola; Dajome, Stroud, Klich, Rodriguez, Santos; Ku-DiPietro, Benteke
We say: Minnesota United 2-1 DC United
Buoyed by their win over Nashville, DC United will head into the midweek clash with renewed belief as they look to put together a fine run of form. While Minnesota have struggled to get going in recent weeks, they have lost just three home games this season. We predict that the Loons will build on their draw with Houston and secure all three points in front of their home supporters.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Joshua Ojele
