A bit of a last-minute preview from us today, so we’ll keep this short. Nashville SC are back at home after the All-Star break, and they have a six-pointer on the docket against Minnesota United. The Loons are in fourth place in the Western Conference, just two points of seventh-placed Nashville. If the Coyotes can pull off a rare home win, they’ll jump into fourth place, and well within touching distance of fourth.
Minnesota United
Current standing: 4th (West) | 35 points | 10-5-9 | +4 GD
Power Rankings: 14th | 7.01 OPI
Injuries
QUESTIONABLE: Kervin Arriaga (ankle)
OUT: Hassani Dotson (knee), Jacori Hayes (lower leg), Romaine Metanire (thigh), Wil Trapp (thigh), Patrick Weah (knee)
The Loons come to Music City as one of the hottest teams in MLS. Previously on a seven match unbeaten streak, they saw their streak snapped last weekend in a 4-3 thriller against Colorado Rapids. Emanuel Reynoso had a huge hand in earning 17 points in seven matches; the Argentine playmaker notched six goals and an assist in that span, and is currently leading the team with nine goals and six assists.
Abu Danladi has played a bigger role since re-signing with Minnesota after a stint in Nashville, scoring a pair of goals in 16 matches. With injuries to the front line causing manager Adrian Heath to tinker with the lineup, he’s played on either wing and even as a 10 this season.
In midfield, Hassani Dotson, Jacori Hayes and Wil Trapp are all out, and all three have been starters for this team. Honduran international Kervin Arriaga is questionable, and while he could start, Robin Lod could drop into a deeper role to fill in.
Nashville SC
Current standing: 7th (West) | 33 points | 8-9-8 | -1 GD
Power Rankings: 14th | 7.01 OPI
Injuries
OUT: Aké Loba (trunk), Handwalla Bwana (health & safety protocols)
By now, there won’t be many surprises for the ‘Yotes. Hany Mukhtar is the most important player for this team and one of the most elite attackers in MLS. If he plays well, Nashville will like their chances to win. Secondary scoring has been an issue all year until Teal Bunbury’s recent stretch of form. The veteran attacker has scored in four consecutive matches, and has turned into an undroppable member of the front line.
Aké Loba remains out with an injury to his pelvic area, but his absence has made little to no impact on the squad, the latest in a long series of indictments of his form in Nashville.
On the plus side for Nashville fans, Aníbal Godoy is finally off the injury report and should be expected to be involved at some level against Minnesota. The Panamanian captain last played on June 19, missing 10 matches with an injury to his quad. Getting him back will be a significant boost to Nashville’s midfield.
Pod picks
Andy Simmons
Score: Nashville 2 – 1 Minnesota
Scores: Randall Leal, Hany Mukhtar
MOTM: Hany Mukhtar
Bold Prediction: Nashville score the match winner in the final 10 minutes.
Ben Wright
Score: Nashville 2 – 2 Minnesota
Scorers: CJ Sapong, Walker Zimmerman
MOTM: Hany Mukhtar
Bold Prediction: Mukhtar picks up two assists but Nashville concede in the final 10 minutes.
Fan forecast
Match Info
Teams: Nashville SC vs Minnesota United
Odds: Nashville (-145), Draw (+300), Minnesota (+333) via BetMGM
Date: Sunday, August 14
Time: 8:00 PM Central (8:25 pm kickoff), GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee
TV: FS1, Fox Deportes
Radio: iHeartRadio Online (English); El Jefe 96.7 (Spanish)
Forecast: 84°/77°. Mostly sunny. 0% chance of rain. 51% humidity
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