Ailing Minnesota could struggle to contain in-form Darren Mattocks

MLS
12.30am Wednesday night

Darren Mattocks has returned early from international duty to bolster DC United’s ranks and he’s in the kind of form where he merits first-scorer interest in their clash with Minnesota.

Mattocks scored twice for Jamaica against the Cayman Islands on Monday but has been spared duty against Caribbean newcomers Bonaire on Sunday.

And that’s welcome news for DC United chief Ben Olsen, who was only able to name only four subs at New York City last time out.

Mattocks has bagged nine goals for the capital men this season and is getting chances with defences doubling up on the home team’s one genuine class act, Wayne Rooney.

The match itself ought to be a formality for DC who thoroughly deserve their 8-15 quote.

They are just off the pace for an Eastern Conference playoff berth but seven of their last eight matches are at Audi Field.

Adrian Heath’s Minnesota, meanwhile, are in absolutely wretched form in the west.

No wins in five, no clean sheets in 13, they are a shambles especially on their travels having picked up just one point out of a possible 33 on the road since mid-March.

They’ve conceded at least two goals in ten of their last 13 and are praying that Darwin Quintero can shake off an injury. With Quintero in the side they average 1.6 goals per game, without him they average 0.7.

Having said that, it’s issues at the other end of the field which have caused Heath’s men to nosedive down the rankings.

Recommendation
D Mattocks first goalscorer
1pt each-way 6-1 bet365

Read every day for no-nonsense previews and expert sports betting tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport