Looking back, the 2024 season was indeed quite successful for LAFC. Not only did they secure a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs as the top-ranked team in their conference, but they also managed to lift the US Open Cup.

In a closely fought semi-final, the Black and Gold narrowly defeated the Seattle Sounders 1-0. Subsequently, after extra time, they triumphed over Sporting Kansas City with a score of 3-1, clinching the trophy for the very first time in their history.

Nevertheless, their playoff run came to an end in the semi-finals. After 120 minutes of play, they lost 2-1 to the Sounders, bringing their season to a close.

During the preseason break, LAFC maintained an undefeated record in their four friendly matches. They began with a 1-1 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes, followed by victories over the Portland Timbers (1-0), the Chicago Fire (1-0), and Club America (2-1).

Regrettably, that winning streak did not continue into competitive play. The Black and Gold endured their first loss of 2025, succumbing 2-1 to the Colorado Rapids in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. This leaves them with a significant challenge to overcome in next Wednesday's return leg at BMO Stadium.

Before that crucial encounter, though, LAFC is resolute in making a strong start to their MLS campaign. They aim to improve upon their performance in last season's opener, where they suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Real Salt Lake.

The Black and Gold will be confident of taking all three points on Saturday, given their recent dominance in this fixture, having won each of the last three meetings on home soil.

Minnesota, meanwhile, will be keen to improve on their sixth-place finish in the Western Conference and 10th overall from 2024, starting with a positive result in Los Angeles.

With 54 points from 15 wins, 12 draws and seven losses, the Loons secured their joint-fourth highest finish in the conference while achieving their third-best overall standing.

After booking a place in the post-season championship, Eric Ramsay's men saw their playoff hopes dashed in the quarter-finals, suffering a humbling 6-2 defeat to Galaxy to bring their campaign to an abrupt end.

Minnesota have not had the most convincing preparation for this encounter, winning just one of their four preseason matches, drawing one and losing their last two, the most recent being a 1-0 defeat to New York City.

However, they will take inspiration from their opening match of last season, when they defied the odds to claim a 2-1 victory at Austin FC despite a similarly unconvincing run leading up to the fixture.

LAFC were highly active in the transfer window ahead of the new season, reshaping their squad with seven new arrivals while parting ways with three players.

Their acquisitions include Cengiz Under and Odin Thiago Holm, who arrived on loan from Fenerbahce and Celtic respectively, Artem Smolyakov from Polissya Zhytomyr, Igor Jesus from Estrela Amadora, Yaw Yeboah as a free agent, Nkosi Tafari Burgess from FC Dallas and Marco Delgado from LA Galaxy.

On the departure front, Cristian Olivera made the switch to Gremio, Mario Gonzalez joined Lech Poznan and Mateusz Bogusz sealed a move to Mexican side Cruz Azul.

Meanwhile, experienced striker Olivier Giroud is expected to lead the line on Saturday, likely flanked by Denis Bouanga and David Martinez in a three-man attack.

Minnesota have also undergone a squad refresh, bolstering their ranks with new signings, including Owen Gene, Ho-yeon Jung, Nicolas Romero and Wil Trapp.

On the other hand, Matus Kmet, Mikael Marques, Patrick Weah, Teemu Pukki and Franco Fragapane have all departed.

For Saturday's fixture, Kelvin Yeboah and Tani Oluwaseyi could spearhead a two-man attack, with an advanced midfield trio of Trapp, Robin Lod and Joaquin Pereyra providing support.

Los Angeles FC possible starting lineup:

Lloris; Hollingshead, Long, Santos, Palencia; Igor Jesus; Delgado, Tillman; Martínez, Giroud, Bouanga

Minnesota United possible starting lineup:

Clair; Hlongwane, Harvey, Boxall, Díaz, Rosales; Lod, Trapp, Pereyra; Yeboah, Oluwaseyi