Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Two camps who will turn their attention back to US Open Cup action in the early hours of Wednesday, Minnesota will welcome Chicago to Soldier Field.
Minnesota United
Starting with the hosts, last seen putting in another eye-catching performance as they clinched a 2-1 victory away at Dallas, Minnesota are enjoying what has been a real flurry. Currently sat third in the Western Conference table, Eric Ramsay’s men have continued to receive a string of plaudits. Including a routine 3-1 win against Houston last month, the Loons find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Extending on their US Open Cup adventure on May 22nd as they secured an action-packed 3-2 win against St. Louis, Minnesota have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions. Likewise, suffering just a sole defeat at Allianz Field since the end of April, Ramsay’s side should be confident of punching their final four spot in the early hours of Wednesday.
Minnesota United Team News
Not making a single appearance since the end of March and still sidelined with a long-term knee injury, USA international Hassani Dotson remains on the sidelines. However, returning to Ramsay’s squad last week, 24-year-old Morris Duggan could get some more minutes under his belt.
Only making a cameo appearance off the bench against Dallas last week, Colombia defender Jefferson Diaz could be handed a full recall. Notching six MLS strikes so far this season, former Genoa marksman Kelvin Yeboah will shoulder plenty of Minnesota’s attacking threat.
Chicago Fire
As for the visitors, while Chicago might have signed off June with an action-packed 3-2 victory against Charlotte, the Fire came immediately crashing back down to earth. Last seen falling to a 2-1 defeat away at Cincinnati, Gregg Berhalter’s side are seeking some much-welcomed recent stability. With their recent issues highlighted by a 2-0 defeat at home against Nashville on June 15th, the Illinois-based outfit have lost three of their previous four MLS appearances. However, despite travelling to Minnesota on Wednesday pencilled in as a standout contender, they will be excited by a dominant record against their US Open Cup rivals. Including a 3-2 win when they last met the Loons for a competitive showdown in July 2023, they are unbeaten in all of their last five meetings across all competitions.
Chicago Fire Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, Chicago will once again be without the likes of Kellyn Acosta, Carlos Teran, David Poreba and academy graduate Christopher Cupps on Wednesday. Likewise, featuring for the USA at this summer’s Gold Cup, Chris Brady will also miss out here.
With Berhalter potentially looking to make a handful of alterations in midweek, former New York Red Bulls striker Tom Barlow could be handed a full recall. Enjoying what has been a sensational run of form and finding the net in seven of his last eight appearances, ex-Watford star Philip Zinckernagel will play a leading role in the final third.
Minnesota United vs Chicago Fire Key Factors to Consider
- When Minnesota and Chicago last met for a competitive showdown back in July 2023, Wednesday’s guests collected a dramatic 3-2 win at Allianz Field.
- However, Chicago have lost three of their previous four MLS appearances.
- Chicago have failed to register a single clean sheet from any of their last 12 consecutive matchups outside of Illinois.
- Minnesota have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions.
- Six of Minnesota’s last seven appearances at Allianz Field have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Battling it out at the top of the Western Conference table, Minnesota should be excited to turn their attention back to US Open Cup action here. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their previous nine appearances across all competitions, the Loons find themselves pencilled in as a standout contender in midweek. However, hit with an action-packed 3-2 loss when they last welcomed Chicago to town back in July 2023, they should be concerned by a downbeat recent record against Wednesday’s guests.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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