Chris Armas is relishing the Colorado Rapids' upcoming MLS clash with St. Louis City SC this weekend, a team he described as "stingy".

After a run of five games without a win, which included three consecutive losses, the Rapids got back on track with a 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake last time out.

That result moved them up to seventh in the Western Conference standings, and Armas believes this match provides the perfect opportunity to build some momentum.

"We're excited for the weekend," Armas said. "Home game, a match in front of our fans and an opportunity for us to build on some momentum.

"But we face a tough team coming through. Stingy, not easy to score against. They gave us a hard time in their building last time. Like us, they are looking for points.

"It's a Western Conference battle. We are excited and preparing in a good way, and we certainly want to build on last week's performance."

For St. Louis, meanwhile, their recent struggles continued in midweek after another late collapse saw them dumped out of the US Open Cup.

Having come from behind to lead 2-1 heading into the final five minutes, Anthony Markanich's brace stole the victory for Minnesota United, who had beaten St. Louis in the league last week.

"These unfortunate defeats in the end of games," said head coach Olof Mellberg. "I don't think you see a team that looks beaten when we play.

"I mean, that's obviously something we just have to continue that belief that we can turn things around."

Roman Burki, in his third game back after recovering from a broken hand, made seven saves but urged his team to find the hunger in trying to turn their recent results around.

"I probably could have saved the first Anthony Markanich goal from this angle," Burki said. "I usually should not concede that ball. It's hard to say if you don't concede the second goal there, I think we're going to win this game. 

"I kind of blame myself as well there. But overall, we have to be more hungry to win these games. Even if you're up or if you're down, Minnesota is a really good team, and you see when they're down, they don't lose focus."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic

Mihailovic scored the only goal in Colorado's 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake on Saturday, his 32nd goal contribution since joining the Rapids last season (17 goals, 15 assists).

Indeed, that total is five more than any other American in MLS in that time, with Diego Luna (27) his nearest challenger over that period of time.

St. Louis – Conrad Wallem

Only Austin FC (nine) have scored fewer than St. Louis in the Western Conference this season, and Wallem's influence from midfield will be key to ending their winless run.

Against Minnesota, he had team-high totals for passes in the final third (22), chances created (one) and shots on target (two).

MATCH PREDICTION: COLORADO RAPIDS WIN

Colorado have lost only one of five all-time meetings with St. Louis (W2 D2) including going unbeaten in both meetings at home (W1 D1).

The Rapids also snapped a five-match winless run with a 1-0 home win over Real Salt Lake. It was Colorado's first clean sheet since a 2-0 home win over Charlotte FC in March.

St. Louis, meanwhile, are winless in 10 straight regular-season matches for the first time in club history (D3 L7). They have also conceded multiple goals in each of their last five games.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Colorado Rapids – 46.5%

Draw – 26.5%

St. Louis – 27%