Minnesota United FC vs. Houston Dynamo Prediction, Preview, and Odds - 9/25/21
Houston is on a three-match unbeaten streak, but it still needs an incredible finish to the season if it wants to sniff the playoffs. The Dynamo will be looking to pull an upset at Minnesota United on Saturday night. Minnesota, which is coming off a 3-0 win over the Galaxy, is currently clinging to the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Dynamo on a nice roll
Houston has no margin for error after a very slow start to the season. It has taken care of business in its last three matches, winning twice and playing to one draw. The Dynamo picked up a 3-0 win at Austin FC before tying with the Galaxy last Wednesday. They played an exciting match against Dallas on Saturday, picking up a 3-2 win. It appeared as if Dallas was going to cruise to an easy victory when it jumped out to a 3-0 lead. Griffin Dorsey, Fabrice Picault and Darwin Quintero all got on the board. Dallas rallied late in the match, scoring two goals in the final 10 minutes.
Houston only had 42% of the possession and just one more shot on target, but it came away with all three points regardless. The Dynamo are still second from the bottom in the Western Conference, though. They are eight points back of Minnesota for the final playoff spot, so they need to find a way to get a win in this match. Houston has scored three goals in its last two home matches, but it has failed to win away from home this season. The Dynamo only have one injury concern heading into this match, as Nico Lemoine is going to remain out. They are expected to go with the same lineup that they used against Dallas.
Minnesota looking to beat Houston again
Minnesota has been turbulent over its last four matches. It opened that stretch with a 2-1 road win at Houston. The next two matches went about as poorly as possible, as Seattle notched a 1-0 win and Sporting KC blew them out in a 4-0 result. All four of Kansas City’s goals came in the opening 52 minutes of the match. Minnesota bounced back last Saturday, notching an impressive 3-0 win over the Galaxy. Emanuel Reynoso got the scoring started four minutes into the match and he would go on to make it a brace 16 minutes later.
Ethan Finlay wrapped up the scoring with a goal 21 minutes after halftime. It was the club’s second win in their last seven matches. It was also their first win over the Galaxy in nine meetings all-time. Minnesota converted on all three of its shots on target. This is an extremely important match for Minnesota, who is currently holding the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. It is one point away from dropping to eighth, but it is also just three points away from fifth place. Minnesota has tallied almost 70% of its points at home this season.
Pick: (Minnesota -135)
Home-field advantage might be more meaningful in soccer than any other sport. That has certainly rung true for these teams. Minnesota has picked up the majority of its points at home this season. Houston has struggled to do much of anything on the road, coming up with zero wins outside of its home city. The Dynamo have been inconsistent this year and I certainly do not trust them on the road. Minnesota needs to win this match to maintain a playoff position and it comes in with momentum following its win at home over the Galaxy. I trust them to get the job done on Saturday.
Total (Under 2.75)
I think the recent matches from both teams have provided some value on the under in this one. Houston might have scored three goals against Dallas, but it was outplayed for most of that contest against one of the worst teams in the Western Conference. Minnesota, meanwhile, also scored three goals its last time out. It only tallied three total shots on goal, though, so I think variance is going to come into play on Saturday. Both teams desperately need to come away with a result, which could lead to a tight start from both sides.
Teaser
Minnesota United will be looking for continued success at home when it hosts Houston on Saturday night.