MLS: Seattle Sounders vs. FC Dallas Preview, Odds, Prediction

Seattle Sounders and FC Dallas clash on Wednesday night at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. The hosts are in desperate need of a win, which would regain some of their lost morale, and get them back in the title race. On the other side, FC Dallas is doing just fine, and the franchise from Texas has been one biggest positive surprises this year. They are in the playoff zone, and look pretty confident lately. With a little luck, they could have been placed even higher, but this is a very good situation for them also. 

Preview

Seattle Sounders (-110) have problems with injured players, and that has been the key reason for their poor performances lately. An exhausting CONCACAF Champions League campaign left a mark on Schmezer’s unit; for instance, Raul Ruidiaz is still out. 

Just one win in the last five games, with the other four ending with losses, is a reason for an alarm at Lumen Field. The CCL champions need to step up and fight the adversity, otherwise, the playoffs will stay just a dream. Ruidiaz’s absence has had major negative implications, as the Sounders failed to score in three consecutive games, which all saw them losing. 

The last five games at home all ended with a moderate efficiency, meaning 2 or 3 goals. Seattle had two wins, two losses, and a draw during that span.

FC Dallas (+300) didn’t win in seven consecutive games, posting three losses and four draws, but apparently healed in the last two weeks. They were better on the road in Salt Lake, where they defeated Real, and after that, they were better at home against Los Angeles Galaxy. Both events ended with 1-0.

Jesus Ferreira and Paul Arriola are the two main weapons of this crew, scoring 21 goals and having eight assists combined. The two formed a very good duo upfront, which is a threat for any defense in the league.

The efficiency of Dallas matches in recent times has declined. For instance, five of the last six saw under 2.5 goals, and three in the recent four were with only one hit.

Latest News

Ruidiaz is questionable for this event. The staff has to make a decision, whether to risk and send him on the field or to wait a little longer. A very delicate situation for them. Joao Paulo and Obed Vargas are both out for the home unit. 

On the other side, Dallas is without any absences. 

Head to Head Games

The first meeting of the year was in early May, and Dallas routinely defeated Seattle, 2-0. It is interesting that the last four direct meetings between these units all ended with under 2.5. 

Prediction

This is a must-win situation for the hosts. If Ruidiaz plays, that will be an additional reason to bet on the home team’s victory, but even without the fantastic forward, we have to bet on Seattle’s triumph here. The odds are -110, which is very good, but even if they were shorter, our pick would still be the same. 

Pick: Seattle wins