Alan Velasco shoots and scores against Nashville SC, March 12, 2022. (Matt Visinsky, 3rd Degree)
FC Dallas, currently ranked 4th in the West with 23 points (6-4-5), is set to host Nashville SC, 2nd in the East with 28 points (8-3-4), in what promises to be an exhilarating match at Toyota Stadium. While Nashville boasts the best defensive record in MLS, they have shown a greater strength at home compared to their performances on the road.
Broadcasting Details
- TV: Free on Apple TV.
- English Radio: 1190 AM and the FC Dallas App.
- Spanish Radio: 1270 AM TUDN.
Prediction for FC Dallas Lineup
Despite facing several injuries, especially in midfield, Coach Nico Estevez remains optimistic about his team's chances. With the possibility of Sebastian Lletget returning to the squad, albeit unlikely given his recent injury and limited play time, Coach Estevez is likely to maintain the same tactics employed in their previous game. The team's shape and tactics have impressed Coach Estevez, with high chance creation, but the finishing has been a cause for concern. The return of Geovane Jesus, who performs better at home, is also anticipated. Expect little changes aside from the inclusion of Maarten Paes in goal and the potential rotation of Jose Martinez. Sbeas Ibeagha's pace against Hany Mukhtar could prove to be a strategic advantage.
Bench Prediction:
- Jimmy Maurer
- Bernard Kamungo
- Sam Junqua
- Jose Mulato
- Sebas Ibeagha
- Amet Korca
- Herbert Endeley
- Collin Smith
- Sebastian Lletget?
MLS Injury/Player Availability Report
FC Dallas
- OUT: Tarik Scott (season-ending injury)
- OUT: Sebastian Lletget (quad)
- OUT: Paul Arriola (quad)
- OUT: Paxton Pomykal (quad)
- OUT: Tsiki Ntsabeleng (knee sprain)
- OUT: Ema Twumasi (ankle)
- OUT: Edwin Cerrillo (yellow cards)
Nashville SC
- Questionable: Walker Zimmerman (lower body injury)
- OUT: Nick DePuy (lower body)
- INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Antonio Carrera (United States U-20)
- SUSPENSION AFTER NEXT YELLOW: Jáder Obrian & Paxton Pomykal
MLS Kit Assignments
FC Dallas will sport their red/blue primary kit, while Nashville SC is expected to be in solid yellow.
Officials
The match officials for this game are yet to be announced.
Other Game Info
Head-to-Head Records
- FCD record: 6-4-5 (23 points - 4th in West)
- NSH record: 8-3-4 (28 points - 2nd in East)
- FCD vs. NSH all-time: 2-3-1 (3 goals scored, 8 goals conceded)
- FCD vs. NSH all-time home: 1-1-1 (2 goals scored, 1 goal conceded)
Nashville has managed to achieve five shutouts in seven matches against FC Dallas. Additionally, they have played the most matches against a Western Conference opponent at Toyota Stadium. Currently on a seven-match unbeaten streak, Nashville SC has shown impressive offensive prowess, scoring multiple goals in five of their last seven matches. Hany Mukhtar, the team's star player, leads the league in goal contributions with 16 in 2023.
FC Dallas, on the other hand, relies heavily on the goal-scoring abilities of Jesús Ferreira. All six of Dallas' wins this season have come in matches where Ferreira has scored. In fact, Dallas has an outstanding record of 15-2-2 in matches where Ferreira has found the back of the net. The team has also shown resilience in close matches, with five out of their six league victories being won by a one-goal margin.
The match promises excitement and intensity, as both teams have their own strengths and strategies. Will Nashville's solid defense hold up against FC Dallas' attacking force? Tune in to witness the clash of these MLS titans.
