San Jose Earthquakes vs Minnesota United Prediction & Betting Tips - Major League Soccer

Prediction published on 30/07/2020, 11:16  by James | Modified on 30/07/2020 at 12:16 in Football Predictions

The MLS is Back tournament is now at the quarter-final stage with San Jose Earthquakes and Minnesota United among the clashes you can look forward to in the last eight. San Jose topped their group unbeaten before blowing Real Salt Lake away in the Round of 16 with an exceptional attacking performance in a 5-2 win. Minnesota also made it through the group stage unbeaten, finishing second after winning one and drawing two. They were pitted against one of the tournament favourites in Columbus Crew but made it past them on penalties after a hard-fought encounter. Although San Jose have been impressive, Minnesota will be pleased to have been drawn against them. That's because of their positive record against the Californian side in recent years, winning the last three encounters. Their most recent clash was actually this season before the lockdown completely disrupted proceedings, a 5-2 win for the Minnesota reiterating their dominance in these duels. San Jose have had no problem scoring goals in this tournament but could do with shoring up their defence. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six matches with Minnesota. 

When it comes to this tournament, San Jose's defence has kept more clean sheets, two from the four matches they've played. Minnesota have only managed one. Given that Minnesota don't score much, this can make their games closer than they ought to be, hence their last three matches ending in stalemates. Both teams have scored in three of Minnesota's four tournament matches and this fixture also has a history of both teams scoring. Five of the last six matches between Minnesota and San Jose have featured both teams scoring. Minnesota appear to have the edge on San Jose in head-to-head encounters while San Jose have looked better overall in the competition. The last six have featured over 2.5 goals. Back over 2.5 goals in what should be a fascinating battle.