Minnesota United vs. Austin FC – MLS, May 1, 2021

Fresh from sealing their maiden MLS win, Austin FC will be hoping for more success when they face off-form Minnesota at Allianz Field on Saturday, May 1.

The Loons head into Week 3 on the back of two straight defeats, having lost to Seattle and RSL. However, they will view the visit of Austin as an ideal opportunity to get their first points of 2021 on the board.

In this Minnesota United vs. Austin FC betting preview, I discuss the bookmakers’ odds and analyze both teams before sharing my prediction and pick for Saturday’s clash.

We all know that Minnesota has made a below-par start to the season. Still, it is no real surprise that all the top online sportsbooks view Adrian Heath’s side as the clear favorite to win this weekend.

Following Austin’s impressive 3-1 victory over Colorado, many bettors will be looking for value in the odds for the draw, and the away win here. At first glance, both of those lines are worth considering.

It’s fair to say that Minnesota was completely outclassed by the Sounders a fortnight ago. Surprisingly, the Loons made it to half-time unscathed. But after the break, the floodgates opened.

Heath’s men collapsed in the second half, conceding four goals without reply. They simply couldn’t cope with Seattle’s free-flowing forward line – and that will be a cause for concern for the head coach.

The Loons were expected to get back on track when Real Salt Lake came to town last weekend. As it turned out, they ended up suffering back-to-back defeats – going down 2-1 to a team that finished 12 points below them in the Western Conference last year.

Robin Lod netted a late consolation goal, but Anderson Julio’s first-half brace had already sealed the deal for RSL by then.

It is difficult to imagine the Loons starting the new season with three straight losses. That said, they haven’t shown many promising signs so far this term.

By contrast, Austin has shown plenty of promising signs over the past couple of weeks.

The MLS newcomers gave a good account of themselves on the opening weekend, only to lose 2-0 to LAFC. But last time out, they got the better of the Rapids in style.

Trailing 1-0 with just a third of the game remaining, ATX scored three goals in a manic 11-minute period. Diego Fagundez sparked the revival before Cecilio Dominguez bagged a quick-fire brace to complete the comeback.

Josh Wolff’s men may only have two games of Major League Soccer in the bank, but they have already shown they can compete with the top teams in the country.

Of course, overcoming Minnesota won’t be easy. But if they can carry their intensity into Week 3, there is no reason why the newcomers can’t spring another surprise this weekend.

Call me crazy – but I’m going for it!

I’ve been super impressed with Austin across their opening two MLS matches. Wolff’s men have put in a couple of really solid performances – and last weekend’s victory over Colorado was thoroughly deserved.

On the flip side, Minnesota is low on confidence at the moment. Having suffered two disappointing defeats already this term, the Loons look set to struggle against a buoyant ATX outfit.

I’m backing Austin FC to upset the odds and claim all three points at Allianz Field.