Seattle Sounders vs Minnesota United, Prediction, Preview, and Odds - 4/16/21

Seattle Sounders vs Minnesota United

The Seattle Sounders have reached the MLS Cup Final in 4 of the last five seasons, but are coming off a 3-0 loss to Columbus Crew in the MLS Cup Final last season. The Sounders will start the season without Jordan Morris and the striker is likely to miss most if not all of the season after injuring his knee while on loan to Swansea in England. However, Seattle has added midfielder Kelyn Rowe and striker Fredy Montero and midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro will be a big key for Seattle’s if he can successfully link the Seattle backline with it's attackers through excellent passing.

Minnesota United has become a public favorite as the underdog but must play this season without Kevin Molino, who last season constantly made runs into the box that left lots of space for Minnesota's other attackers. In Molino’s absence, Emanuel Reynoso, who is highly talented as well, becomes the key factor in Minnesota's attack. Other key players for Minnesota this season are midfielder Jan Gregus and defender Romain Metanire, who will protect Minnesota's right flank and was selected as an MLS All-Star back in 2019.

Seattle expected to contend out West

Last season Seattle finished second in the Western Conference at 11-5-6 on 39 points and a +21 goal difference. Seattle was defeated by Columbus Crew 3-0 in the MLS Cup final and starting this season, the club has several question marks with the loss of Morris for most if not all of the season and several other regulars no longer with the club. Seattle nevertheless is expected to battle for a title In the west.

Nicolas Lodeiro has become the focal point for Seattle’s success. Lodeiro was chosen as one of the MLS XI best in 2020 finishing the campaign with seven goals and 10 assists over 20 matches. Lodeiro could start the season at one of the wings as Seattle is lacking depth at that position. Raul Ruidiaz is another key element for Seattle. The Peru international is known for his goalscoring and has scored 33 goals in 53 appearances in the MLS making the Peruvian one of the better finishers in the league.

Minnesota coming off its best MLS season to date

Minnesota completed its best-ever MLS campaign in 2020 at 9-5-7 on 34 points with a +10 goal difference, and is expected to challenge in the Western Conference again during 2021. Key Acquisitions for Minnesota during the off-season were Wil Trapp, who was a long time midfielder with Columbus Crew, before playing one season last year with Miami. The addition of Trapp gives Minnesota one of the deepest midfields in the MLS with Reynoso, Gregus, Hassani Dotson and Ozzie Alonso. Minnesota also added Jukka Raitala from FC Montreal, which will help the Minnesota back line but Raitala likely will be a substitute behind Chase Gasper.

Minnesota lost Molino and Kei Kamara during the offseason but has plenty of talent to make up for those two losses. Reynoso Is expected to be one of the best midfielders in all of the MLS and last season scored one goal and had seven assists during three playoff matches. Gregus gives Minnesota strength in midfield alongside Reynoso and is an excellent free-kick specialist. Romain Metanire, a Madagascar International, will be a big presence in Minnesota's backline. Patrick Weah is a rookie with an excellent pedigree as the nephew of George Weah and cousin to Tim Weah, who plays for the US Men’s National Team. Expectations run very high for Weah as he starts his first campaign with United.

Full game pick

Minnesota United

Pick Analysis:

Although over the full season, Seattle is expected to battle for a title in the Western Conference, the Sounders are likely to start slow as there are several new faces on the roster and a number of question marks entering the season. Over the last three matches played between Seattle and Minnesota, Seattle has won two and one ended in a draw. Minnesota has one of the league's top midfielders in Emanuel Reynoso and his strength in holding Seattle's midfield and in passing off to the wings will be the difference in this first match of the season.

Full game total prediction analysis:

Under

In the most recent three matches played between Seattle and Minnesota the total has finished under twice. At the start of the season, Seattle has several question marks at midfield as well as in the attack and that will result in fewer goals being scored, while Minnesota will face a strong Seattle backline making it hard for Minnesota in the attacking third of the pitch.

Promotional Summary:

The Seattle Sounders look to open their 2021 MLS campaign with a victory at home on Friday against Minnesota United.