Minnesota United must win on the final day to guarantee their spot in the playoffs, a situation that did not appear likely at the beginning of September.

Despite recent results, Minnesota will enter the game knowing that they are in control of their fate and that they have the talent to draw, given that they managed to do so in their most recent home game against top-of-the-table Los Angeles FC.

Vancouver enters the game in excellent form, having won three straight games to push for the playoffs unexpectedly.

Additionally, the calibre of the opposition that the victories have been against is particularly outstanding; they defeated Austin FC, who were in second place, 2-0, and Los Angeles FC, 3-0, to achieve this encouraging position.

Date and kickoff time 

Sunday 9th October 2022

UK (BST) 10:00 PM 

CEST: 11:00 PM

Eastern Time: 5:00 PM

Central Time:  4:00 PM

Mountain Time: 3:00 PM

Pacific Time: 2:00 PM

Minnesota Utd vs Vancouver Whitecaps live stream and TV channel

US: ESPN+, ESPN App, Bally Sports, Bally Sports North, WUCW

UK and Ireland: FreeSports TV UK

Canada: TSN.ca, TSN App, TSN1, TSN4

Mexico: Star+

Team News

Minnesota’s injury woes have come at the worst possible time, with some key players being injured in recent weeks and unable to participate in this weekend’s crucial game.

While midfielder Robin Lod has missed the previous two games, he is making good progress and should return in time to be in the running. Bongokuhle Hlongwane has also been absent recently due to a knee injury that will keep him out until the end of October.

Emanuel Reynoso’s return, after the midfielder missed several recent games and finished the season with ten goals and ten assists, is another plus for Minnesota.

With two goals in his past three games, Ryan Gauld is expected to start on the left wing. His season total of eight goals and nine assists is impressive, and he looks in good touch.

Vancouver may change the striker position; Lucas Cavallini is anticipated to receive the start after scoring three minutes after coming on as a substitute the last time around, possibly taking the place of Brian White.

Minnesota United MLS form:

L, L, D, L, L

Vancouver Whitecaps MLS form:

L, L, W, W, W

Minnesota United’s expected lineup:

St. Clair; Lawrence, Kallman, Boxall, Taylor; Arriaga, Trapp, Garcia Torres, Reynoso, Fragapane; Amarilla

Vancouver Whitecaps expected lineup:

Hasal; Nerwinski, Veselinovic, Blackmon; Gressel, Cubas, Teibert, Martins; Vite, Gauld, Cavallini

Prediction

Minnesota United 1-1 Vancouver Whitecaps

Even though they have been playing poorly lately, I expect Minnesota United to qualify for the playoffs, albeit with a draw barely.

It will be too much to ask of the Vancouver Whitecaps to break their losing streak on the road, which dates back to June, in such an important match.