Charlotte FC vs Minnesota United Preview
Charlotte FC and Minnesota United are set to clash for the first time in the regular season of Major League Soccer (MLS) this Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. Charlotte secured a 3-2 victory against Toronto last week with a late goal at home, while Minnesota United suffered a 2-1 defeat against the Houston Dynamo after conceding late in the game.
Charlotte’s season has seen them clinching victories in the dying moments of matches, as they did last Saturday, winning thanks to an 85th-minute goal. Their solid home form has kept them above the Eastern Conference playoff line, remaining unbeaten at Bank of America Stadium in 2024 and currently sitting in seventh place, just two points behind the third-placed Philadelphia Union.
Sunday’s fixture will mark Charlotte’s second match of the current MLS campaign against a Western Conference opponent, following a 1-1 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps last month. Under Dean Smith’s management, Charlotte has achieved their best-ever start to an MLS campaign, surpassing their previous franchise-best by two points after eight games in 2022.
Meanwhile, Minnesota’s strong start to the domestic campaign has faded since the end of March. Despite being unbeaten in their first four domestic fixtures this year, they have only managed one point from their last three matches, placing them seventh in the Western Conference with 11 points after seven games.
Two of Minnesota’s three victories in 2024 have come away from home, both secured with dramatic late goals scored in the 90th minute or beyond. However, they have not won an MLS match when trailing at halftime since late August 2022, when they secured a 2-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo.
Charlotte FC vs Minnesota United team news
Charlotte FC
In their match last weekend, Charlotte had to cope without Nick Scardina and Adilson Melanda due to thigh issues. Ben Bender is still out recovering from a knee injury, Brandon Cambridge is nursing a right ankle problem, and Nathan Byrne is currently sorting out his visa while also managing a sore thigh.
Kerwin Vargas and Liel Abada both scored their first goals of the season, and Patrick Agyemang’s 85th-minute strike secured a 3-2 victory against Toronto.
Minnesota United
Emanuel Reynoso missed his green card appointment and is reportedly still in Argentina. Miguel Tapias and Zarek Valentin were sidelined against the Dynamo due to thigh injuries.
Kervin Arriaga, recovering from a knee injury, was listed as an unused substitute last weekend, and Joseph Rosales is set to return from suspension.
Franco Fragapane scored Minnesota’s only goal in their previous match, with Robin Lod assisting for the second game in a row.
Charlotte FC vs Minnesota United predicted lineups
Charlotte FC
Injuries hurt and without Scardina and Melanda, it might hurt for Charlotte but even then, Dean Smith has something close to his best side available.
Predicted XI: Kahlina; Lindsey, Tuiloma, Privett, Uronen; Westwood, Diani; Abada, Dejaegere, Vargas; Copetti
Minnesota United
Goals and injuries has hurt but the return of Kervin Arriaga should help Eric Ramsay’s side going forward.
Predicted XI: St. Clair; Taylor, Boxall, Bacharach, Padelford; Rosales, Trapp; Sang-bin, Lod, Hlongwane; Pukki
Charlotte FC vs Minnesota United head-to-head
The two sides have never played each other in the MLS but did play out a 0-0 draw in a friendly.
Charlotte FC vs Minnesota United prediction
The atmosphere and large crowds at Bank of America Stadium consistently favor the home team, which should be the case again this weekend. Additionally, the Loons appear to be grappling with finding their footing under new management and are having difficulty generating opportunities without Reynoso’s influence.
Prediction: Charlotte FC 2-0 Minnesota United
Charlotte FC vs Minnesota United betting tips and odds
Betting Tips:
- Both teams to score: Yes
- Over 2.75 goals: Yes
Odds:
- Charlotte FC: 2.00
- Draw: 3.60
- Minnesota United: 3.80
Charlotte FC vs Minnesota United betting tips
Bank of America Stadium – 21st April – 10:00 PM GMT
India: MLS Season Pass
United Kingdom: MLS Season Pass
US: Apple TV.
Also Read: New York City FC vs D.C United Preview Prediction and Betting Tips