Minnesota United Vs Houston Dynamo: Dynamo seek road breakthrough

Houston Dynamo take the road to Minnesota United FC on Saturday. They seek their first away win of the season in an attempt to recover their postseason form.

Minnesota United FC has a four-game losing streak and the recent and desperate loss of midfielder Ethan Finlay to injury. The pre-game analysis against Houston Dynamo looks grim, except for a couple of facts in the home team’s favor.

United favors the same defensive scheme in a 4-3-3 formation as Houston. Unless the Dynamo counter with another formation, Minnesota won’t see anything unusual on either side of the field.

Also, as last season, Houston’s attack has developed ever so slowly. If the home team can pile on a few goals early, they might hold the visitors to a draw. Or better.

In any case, hold onto your lineups and get ready for a clash. If it’s both 4-3-3, it’ll turn out to be an exciting one.

HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 30: Minnesota United defender Michael Boxall (25) goes up for a header during the MLS match between the Minnesota United FC and Houston Dynamo on September 30, 2017 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Minnesota United FC

Current Record (W-L-D): 2-5-0, 10^th place in Western Conference
Last Time Out: Loss at Seattle Sounders 3-1.
Player to Watch For: Forward Christian Ramirez came on the scene last game and scored the only goal. Will he seize this opportunity to do it again?
Why They Win: If they hit two early goals, it will give the Dynamo fits.
Why They Won’t: Even a draw will require creativity and strong attacks such as the team hasn’t pulled off yet this season.

Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):

Projected MLS lineup for Minnesota United vs. Houston this Saturday. pic.twitter.com/pP5euknG7r
— Chuck Wharton (@chuckx777) April 27, 2018

HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 30: Houston Dynamo forward Romell Quioto (12) and Minnesota United defender Michael Boxall (25) fight for the header during the MLS match between the Minnesota United FC and Houston Dynamo on September 30, 2017 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Houston Dynamo

Current Record (W-L-D): 2-2-2, 7^th place in Western Conference.
Last Time Out: 5-1 victory at home over Toronto FC.
Player to Watch For: (Player Name. Reason Why.) F Mauro Manotas has a mission to fulfill. Getting Houston Dynamo turned on for road wins early will carry him for in that mission. He seeks to score.
Why They Win: They’ve overcome the road curse that threatened their post-season hopes last year.
Why They Won’t: The curse comes back. And nobody really figured out why the road curse hit them last year.

Predicted Starting XI:

Projected Houston Dynamo lineup for Saturday's MLS game at Minnesota United. pic.twitter.com/tFccqHktTc
— Chuck Wharton (@chuckx777) April 26, 2018

Score Prediction:

Next: Preview: Atlanta United vs. Montreal Impact

How to Watch:

Where: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis.
When: Saturday, April 28, 8 p.m. ET.
Channel: ESPN+, Fox Sports North in Minnesota, KUBE 57 in Houston.

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