Preview: Minnesota United vs. Real Salt Lake - prediction, team news, lineups

Match preview

Minnesota United held on until the very end as they claimed a slender 3-2 victory over LA Galaxy at the Dignity Health Sports Park on Thursday.

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After heading into half time with a commanding three-goal lead courtesy of a brace from Emanuel Reynoso and Franco Fragapane's 36th-minute strike, Marky Delgado and Dejan Joveljic netted in the second half to reduce the deficit to one.

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Prior to that, Adrian Heath's men were on a three-game losing streak in the MLS, suffering defeats at the hands of New York City FC, New England Revolution and Inter Miami respectively.

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With 21 points from 17 games, Minnesota United are currently 10th in the Western Conference standings, level on points with Vancouver Whitecaps and Houston Dynamo.

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While they will look to build on Thursday's victory and edge closer to the playoffs places, they have struggled for results on home turf in recent weeks, picking up one point from a possible nine since a 3-0 victory over Chicago Fire on April 23.

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Elsewhere, Real Salt Lake failed to find the back of the net for the seventh time this season as they were held to a goalless draw by Columbus Crew last Sunday.

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Prior to that, the Claret and Cobalt were on a blistering four-game winning streak on home turf, scoring eight goals and keeping three clean sheets in that time.

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However, Real Salt Lake head into the weekend on a run of just two wins from their last 11 away games across all competitions, losing six and picking up three draws in that time.

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Pablo Mastroeni's side have now picked up 29 points from 17 games to sit third in the conference standings, seven points off first-placed Los Angeles FC.

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This has been owing to their impressive performances on home turf, where they are unbeaten so far and currently boasts the league's third-best record with 20 points from eight games.

Minnesota United Major League Soccer form:

Minnesota United form (all competitions):

Real Salt Lake Major League Soccer form:

Team News

Minnesota United will be without the services of Joseph Rosales, who is suspended after receiving his marching orders against LA Galaxy last time out.

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On the injury front, the Loons will make do without the American duo of Hassani Dotson and Patrick Weah, who are both recuperating from ACL injuries.

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Madagascar international Romain Metanire is set to sit out his third consecutive game after the 32-year-old came off with a thigh problem in the friendly against Paderborn on June 12.

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Danish midfielder Niko Hansen is also out of contention for the hosts after picking up an injury in the cup game against Union Omaha back in May.

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As for Real Salt Lake, Mastroeni will be unable to call upon the duo of Bret Halsey and 19-year-old defender Zack Farnsworth, who have both been sidelined through ACL injuries.

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​They are joined on the club's injury table by Croatian midfielder Damir Kreilach, who has been out of action since April through a back problem.

Minnesota United possible starting lineup:

Clair; Taylor, Boxall, Dibassy, Lawrence; Arriaga, Trapp; Lod, Reynoso, Fragapane; Amarilla

Real Salt Lake possible starting lineup:

MacMath; Herrera, Glad, Silva, Brody; Savarino, Loffelsend, Ruiz, Meram; Rubin, Cordova

We say: Minnesota United 2-2 Real Salt Lake

Sunday's game sees two evenly-matched sides go head to head. While the Loons will be looking to end their struggles on home turf, Real Salt Lake have managed just one win in seven away games. We predict the spoils will be shared in this one with outs sides settling for a point apiece.

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