If other results go their way, Minnesota United can break into the Top 4 of the Western Conference with a victory over struggling Sporting Kansas City, who’ve failed to win in 12 of their last 15 fixtures.
Sporting Kansas City’s chances of qualifying for the postseason dwindle with each passing week, as Peter Vermes’ side find themselves eight points adrift of the seventh and final playoff spot.
Check out our picks and predictions for Minnesota United vs. Sporting Kansas City, with kickoff on July 13.
Minnesota United vs Sporting Kansas City match odds
Odds via bet365.
Compare MLS odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
Minnesota United vs Sporting Kansas City betting tips
- Prediction: Minnesota United ML (-128)
- Prediction: Over 2.5 (-147)
- Best bet: BTTS & Minnesota United ML (+230)
Predictions made on 7/12/2022 at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Minnesota United vs Sporting Kansas City game info
• Location: Allianz Field, St. Paul, MN
• Date: Tuesday, July 13, 2022
• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN
Minnesota United vs Sporting Kansas City betting preview
Weather
Wednesday should see clear, sunny skies and a high of 81 degrees Fahrenheit with 43% humidity.
Injuries
Minnesota United: Niko Hansen F (Out), Kevin Arriaga M (Out), Romain Metanire D (Out), Hassani Dotson M (Out), Patrick Weah F (Out).
Sporting Kansas City: Alan Pulido F (Out), Nikola Vujnovic F (Out), Ozzie Cisneros M (Out), Kortne Ford D (Out), Gadni Kinda M (Out), Graham Zusi D (Doubtful).
Minnesota United vs Sporting Kansas City predictions
Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.
Side analysis
Minnesota is a heavy favorite in the lead-up to Wednesday’s game against Kansas City.
SKC have been anything but magical and need to conjure a masterful performance to come away with a victory against a seemingly playoff-bound Minnesota side.
The long-shot visitors enter the match against Minnesota with the joint-worst point total in the Western Conference. Kansas City, tied with the Earthquakes on 19 points at the foot of the Western Conference table, has played two more matches than fellow bottom-dwellers San Jose.
There are a few positives for Peter Vermes to focus on going into Wednesday’s encounter. With only one defeat in their last four on the road, Sporting KC have won two of three on hostile terrain. A pair of 2-1 victories on either side of a 0-3 defeat at Seattle will offer Vermes’ side a semblance of hope.
Prior to prevailing in two of the last three on its travels, Kansas City hadn’t won an away contest (seven losses and two draws) all season. Vermes will want his side to concentrate on, and take confidence from, a recent uplifting mini-run.
Minnesota, with 27 points, is tied with the Galaxy and Nashville for fifth place in the Western Conference, however, a playoff spot is anything but secured. One slip-up and the Loons could find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture peering helplessly in.
The Sounders and Timbers are just a point adrift of Minnesota with a game in hand each, putting into context the gravitas of its upcoming home tilt.
One of the reasons Minnesota is barely clinging to a playoff spot is its lackluster home record. The Loons have the third-worst home record in the Western Conference, taking just 14 points from a possible 27.
Adrian Heath’s side has won two of their last five home contests but managed to hold on to a 3-2 win over Real Salt Lake in the most recent match at Allianz Field. That win was accompanied by successive away victories, providing a three-game winning streak and a galvanizing platform to springboard from.
Minnesota should have enough to derail a Kansas City team that is starting to pick a morsel of road momentum.
Prediction: Minnesota United moneyline (-128 at BetMGM)
Over/Under analysis
The total for this game is a bit of a toss-up. In the last five Minnesota home games, three have resulted in the Under.
Kansas City has seen four of its last five away matches result in the over. However, when looking at all 11 away matches, Sporting KC have been a part of six Overs and five Unders.
Over the course of nine Loons home games, the Under has occurred five times.
The long-term trend doesn’t provide much help, so let’s focus on recent happenings. Having scored four goals in their last three on the road, SKC have clearly gained some confidence in front of goal.
They should be able to score against a middling home side, while Minnesota will fancy its chances of potting at least two against the conference bottom dwellers.
Though it will be close, lock in the Over and expect the net to bulge three times.
Prediction: Over 2.5 (-147 at BetMGM)
Best bet
The importance of this match for Minnesota cannot be overstated. To solidify their playoff position, the Loons need to take all three points. Any other result could see them fall out of the playoff picture.
For Heath, the thought of missing this golden opportunity to secure all three points doesn’t bear thinking about.
That alone should be enough motivation for the Loons to secure victory. Kansas City has played better of late on the road and should have enough self-belief and confidence to net a single goal against a mediocre Minnesota home defense.
Pick: Both teams to score and Minnesota United moneyline (+230 at BetMGM)
