Colorado Rapids vs. Minnesota United – MLS, May 8, 2021

It goes without saying Minnesota will be desperate to secure their first points of the season when they face off against Colorado at DSG Park on Saturday, May 8.

Three straight defeats have left Adrian Heath’s side rooted to the foot of the Western Conference – four points shy of the Rapids.

Before we get to my Colorado Rapids vs. Minnesota United prediction and betting pick, let’s look at the odds for Saturday’s clash and analyze the teams.

We all know that Minnesota (3.45) is capable of beating the Rapids (1.90). But right now, few would argue that Colorado doesn’t deserve the favorite tag for this matchup.

Evidently, 10bet has taken the contrasting early-season form of both sides into account when pricing up this game. But can the Loons upset the MLS odds on Saturday?

Let’s find out.

Having taken just a single point from their opening two matches, the Rapids’ season was in real danger of taking a negative route.

Colorado was lucky to avoid defeat to FC Dallas on the opening weekend, with the two sides eventually settling for a goalless draw. However, Robin Fraser’s men weren’t so lucky in Week 2.

Carrying a 1-0 lead into the final 30 minutes, the Rapids appeared to be in complete control against Austin FC. But three quick-fire goals from the MLS newcomers meant that Colorado lost the game in spectacular fashion.

Thankfully, the Rapids were able to pick up their first win of the season last weekend – beating Vancouver 1-0 and settling the early-season nerves that had crept into the Colorado camp.

Fraser’s men will now be confident of sealing two straight wins against a struggling Minnesota outfit, but they will also be well aware of what the Loons are capable of.

Of course, there is no shame in losing to Seattle. After all, the Sounders are arguably the strongest team in the West. But when Minnesota suffered a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Brian Schmetzer’s side in Week 1, it felt like a damaging blow.

With a couple of favorable fixtures on the horizon, the Loons were expected to bounce back against Real Salt Lake and Austin. Unfortunately, neither of their opponents read the script.

Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to RSL, Heath’s men lost 1-0 to Austin last time out – meaning they are the only team in Major League Soccer without a point to their name this year.

The below-par results would be excused if they were testing their opponents, but that just isn’t happening at the moment.

It is difficult to imagine Minnesota losing four matches in a row. That said, Heath’s men have shown very little promise so far this season.

It wouldn’t be unfair to say that Minnesota has looked lifeless during the early stages of the new campaign. Having struggled at both ends of the pitch this year, the Loons’ woes look set to continue against Colorado.

It feels like the best is yet to come from the Rapids. They haven’t exactly started the season in blistering form, but they have only lost one of their three games and have improved with every passing week.

With Heath’s side seemingly stuck in a rut, the home win is my Colorado Rapids vs. Minnesota United betting pick.