Austin has found that its magical run to the MLS playoffs last season isn’t an act that is easily duplicated. The Verde and Black have fallen to the middle of the table in the Western Conference and will need a season jolt to feel comfortable about making the playoffs. Minnesota United vs Austin betting analysis shows Austin hasn’t packed quite the same scoring punch as last season.
Minnesota United’s spot in the MLS standings isn’t where it would like to be either. The Loons are in 11th place and are one behind in qualifying for a spot for the play-in for the Western Conference playoffs. While both teams will be relieved to have more available games to play before the postseason spots are decided, both are hoping to start with some positive momentum with a win Saturday night.
Minnesota vs Austin Information
Minnesota United vs Austin FC
Location: Allianz Field, St. Paul, Minnesota
Date & Time: Saturday, July 8, 2023
How to watch: Apple TV | MLS Season Pass
Minnesota vs Austin Recent Scores
Looking at the MLS schedule will show that Austin has picked up points in three straight games, including two wins. The Verde and Black tied with Inter Miami on July 1. The Loons have won two straight games, but one of those was club friendly. In Minnesota’s last MLS game, the Loons beat Portland 4-1.
Minnesota vs Austin Betting Analysis
Loons prefer a more steady pace
Minnesota is one of the MLS teams that prefers a low-event type of style. The Loons have only scored 21 goals in 19 games this season. Anyone looking at Minnesota United vs Austin betting analysis will see that Bongokuhle Hlongwane leads the team with five goals.
The Loons have struggled to finish out matches at home this season. Minnesota is 2-1-5 in eight games this season. The Loons have a +3 goal differential at home despite only winning twice in eight home dates.
Austin FC hasn’t quite found the right mix yet
The Verde and Black have two players that are tied for a team-high five goals. While many people doing Minnesota United vs Austin betting analysis wouldn’t be surprised to see forward Gyasi Zardes with five goals, Austin’s other five-goal scorer is a bit of a surprise.
Defender Jon Gallagher has been able to guide the ball into the net five times this season. Austin has struggled conceding goals. The Verde and Black have allowed 28 goals in 20 matches. Austin is 7-8-5 overall this season. The Verde and Black are currently in a spot for the play-in round, but will need more points to get into a safer position.
Updates
Austin FC has struggled with injuries since Julio Cascante was injured in the season opener. Alex Ring, who stepped in to replace Cascante, also missed three to four weeks with a groin strain.
Minnesota vs Austin Betting Preview
MLS odds show that Minnesota is -114 on the three-way moneyline. The game to end in a draw is +300, while Austin FC is +285 to win. The over/under has been set at 2.5 goals.
Minnesota vs Austin Betting Prediction
People making MLS picks will see that both teams are in need of three points here. As the MLS schedule heads into the back half of the season, every game will be of greater importance as teams try to move up in the standings. Austin hasn’t appeared to be the same kind of team that made a run to the MLS semifinals last season.
The Loons have struggled with inconsistencies themselves, but try to stay in low-event games that see the scoreline stay low. Minnesota will do its best to attack, but this game will likely end in a draw. Neither team has been efficient at attacking this season, and this seems destined to be a 1-1 or 0-0 type of game.
- Pick: Draw +300
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