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Ottawa Fury will host Minnesota United this Saturday evening, as they look to keep their five game winning streak and twelve game unbeaten run alive. Fury has been the strongest team during the Fall Season, currently sitting atop both the Fall and Combined NASL standings, and will certainly be favourites to win this match. Ottawa come off two big road wins, including a 4-1 demolition of Indy Eleven last weekend and a late 1-0 win against FC Edmonton.
Fury have relied heavily on their depth this Fall Season, with different players coming up at the right moments to score goals and earn points. In the first few matches of the fall Tom Heinemann and Richie Ryan were on fire, while Carl Haworth would start the following week. This is a testament to Ottawa’s depth, with the club not relying on one single players or aspect of their game, but rather finding ways to score through the defense, midfield and forward lines. Last week Wiedeman and Ubiparipovic found their scoring touch and will likely carry that confidence into the match vs Minnesota.
Keep Thinking
De Guzman will be sidelined with a leg injury, meaning that Mauro Eustaquio will likely start in the midfield. Captain Richie Ryan had personal family matters to attend to in Ireland this week, but he is expected to be back and ready in time for the match, with Dos Santos saying it will be up to Richie to decide if he is ready to play.
The back four of Trafford, Falvey, Alves and Richter will likely remain unchanged, as they have been the foundation on which Fury have build their twelve game unbeaten run. Tom Heinemann has had a strong Fall Season, including three goals and several assists, meaning he will likely be picked to start up front for Ottawa. Carl Haworth and Andrew Wiedeman are likely favourites to start on the wing, however, with Oliver, Paulo Jr and Albayrak all available for selection, Dos Santos will have several options to choose from
In The End
The run Fury have been on recently has been fantastic, and the club have really shown character in winning matches that last season they’d draw or lose. A win will keep them atop both NASL tables and help them push towards Fury’s first post season berth. United have fallen below expectations this year however their star goal scorer Ramirez has scored in the last six matches and will be a serious threat for the Fury defense.
Following the match vs United, Fury have more than a week off before they host the New York Cosmos and Tampa Bay Rowdies at the end of the month. This three game stretch could be vital towards Fury securing a spot in the NASL post season as United, Cosmos and Rowdies are the three clubs Fury are racing with to win the Fall Season or finish top four.
Prediction:
Ottawa Fury 3-1 Minnesota United
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