Sporting Kansas City will be looking to lift themselves off the bottom of the Western Conference on Sunday, when they host Minnesota United in Major League Soccer action at the Children's Mercy Park.
The visitors, meanwhile, are currently eighth in the same conference, having picked up 12 points from their 10 games this season.
Match preview
Sporting Kansas City stunned Seattle Sounders, who are second in the Western Conference, last weekend to claim their first win of the season.
Erik Thommy had a goal and an assist, while Alan Pulido scored his first goal in nearly two years to give SKC a 2-1 victory, after entering play with just three points through their first 10 matches, equalling the worst start in league history.
Unfortunately for Peter Vermes, his side were brought back down to earth in the US Open Cup against Houston Dynamo, as they lost 1-0 courtesy of a Thorleifur Ulfarsson strike.
Nevertheless, Vermes will be relieved that his side are finally off the mark in the league and will be eager to build upon that impressive victory this weekend.
Meanwhile, Minnesota are winless in their last five MLS outings, but they have enjoyed two victories in the US Open Cup against Detroit City FC and Philadelphia Union.
It was another frustrating afternoon for Adrian Heath's side last weekend as they were defeated 3-2 by Vancouver Whitecaps.
Goals from Brian White (2) and Simon Becher were enough to help the Caps extend their unbeaten streak in the league to eight games, despite Minnesota fighting back through Michael Boxall and Jeong Sang-bin.
However, the Loons will enter this clash off the back of a dramatic US Open Cup victory against Philadelphia Union.
Kai Wagner equalised in stoppage time on two separate occasions for the Union to send the game to penalties, after Heath's men looked to have won the game in extra time through Bongokuhle Hlongwane's second strike of the game in the 103rd minute.
Unfortunately for Wagner, his missed penalty cost Philadelphia the game, after Miguel Tapias gave the Loons a 7-6 lead in the shootout.
- L
- L
- W
- L
- W
- L
- L
- L
- W
- D
- L
- W
Team News
Graham Zusi and Nemanja Radoja returned to the starting XI for Sporting KC against Houston Dynamo in midweek after being absent through injury, so they could both retain their places this weekend.
Willy Agada (tibia stress fracture), Kayden Pierre (hamstring), Tim Leibold (hamstring) and Kortne Ford (Achilles surgery) all remain on the treatment table for the hosts, however.
As for Minnesota, Bakaye Dibassy has missed the last two matches for Minnesota due to thigh issue, while Kervin Arriaga came off the bench against Philadelphia to mark his return from injury.
Ryen Jiba is expected to be out for this encounter with a knee injury, while Mikael Marques may miss out due to a sore ankle.
Sporting Kansas City possible starting lineup:
Melia; Davis, Castellanos, Voloder, Ndenbe; Thommy, Walter, Kinda; Russell, Pulido, Salloi
Minnesota United possible starting lineup:
St. Clair; Taylor, Boxall, Tapias, Lawrence; Trapp, Lod; Hlongwane, Rosales, Fragapane; Amarilla
We say: Sporting Kansas City 1-1 Minnesota United
Sporting Kansas City may have turned a corner with their victory over Seattle last weekend, but they are yet to win at home this season.
Minnesota are also in a rough patch of form, but they have the third-best away record in the league, which makes us think they can get at least a point on Sunday.
How to watch
You can watch Sporting Kansas City vs. Minnesota United and every MLS match this season live on Apple TV. Click here for more details on how to subscribe.For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
body check tags ::
Previews by email
The 2023 MLS season is now up and running, and you can watch every game live with the MLS season pass on Apple TV. Click here for more details on how to subscribe.
