San Jose Earthquakes vs Minnesota United Predictions

• San Jose Earthquakes could only manage a 2-2 home draw with Toronto FC last weekend.
• Minnesota United picked up an impressive 3-1 win away to Portland Timbers on opening weekend.
• San Jose Earthquakes created 11 chances last weekend, with five of those being on target.
• Minnesota United had 10 shots last weekend with four of those on target.

Uninspiring start for San Jose but plenty to build on

San Jose Earthquakes didn’t have the best of starts to their MLS campaign with the side only picking up a point at home to Toronto. They did show great resolve in coming back from 2-0 down to gain that point but they didn’t look up to scratch in the opening hour of the game, something that Matias Almeyda will be keen to address before the game this weekend.

Almeyda has changed his side slightly in the off season in both personnel and system and this has seen Danny Hoesen move to the left hand side in a 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing Vako to come inside where he’s consistently more effective. This showed signs of working against Toronto but the team might be a few weeks off being their most effective.

Impressive start for Minnesota but need to follow up

Minnesota United picked up a great win away to Portland Timbers last weekend, with the visitors hoping to show that their great season in 2019 was no fluke. The side certainly did this, creating multiple chances and beating a Portland side that many predicted would be contesting the Western Conference this season.

Adrian Heath hasn’t changed too much from his side compared to last season with the defence in particular looking very similar. Kevin Molino looks to be back to his best following a string of injuries and he was deployed in the hole behind the striker, getting on the scoresheet twice in the process. If he can stay injury free, him and Amarilla could form a lethal partnership up front for United.

A close game is expected in California

There doesn’t look to be much to pick from between these two sides but their seasons have started slightly differently this year with Minnesota really impressing. We think that they could find another really special away win this season but with San Jose presenting their own threat in attack we’ve added a little insurance and are backing Minnesota United to pick up the win on the draw no bet market.

We can’t see Minnesota running away with a convincing win though, instead we think this will be a tight game with just a single goal proving to be the difference. Both sides should have plenty of chances but we’re predicting Minnesota to run out 2-1 winners.