Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 39/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
While there’s no competitive football in any of the major leagues in Europe, the American MLS is in full flow, and on Saturday, DC United will be welcoming Nashville SC to the Audi Field in Washington D.C.
DC United
DC have fallen rapidly down the ladder in the Eastern Conference in recent weeks due to a winless streak of five matches they’re on at the moment. Their run of last six MLS matches began with a 2-0 win over Houston Dynamo, but since then, they’ve drawn 2-2 away to Inter Miami, lost 0-2 at home to New York City, drawn 2-2 at home against Toronto FC, lost 4-1 away to New York Red Bulls, and lost 1-0 away to Chicago Fire.
As a result of this patch of poor form, DC are currently second from the wrong end of the table with only Chicago Fire sitting below, and these two teams are on the same tally of 14 points from as many matches.
Further more, DC are without a win against Nashville in three previous encounters, in which they were beaten twice. Interim head coach Chad Ashton will have to find a way to break this vicious circle, both in terms of recent form and head-to-head record against this particular opponent, on Saturday.
Team News
Ashton is likely to make a few changes from the last outing of his team, with midfielder Russell Canouse and striker Michael Estrada both hoping to start after coming off the bench against Chicago.
There are several injury doubts for D.C. ahead of this clash, with midfielder Moses Nyeman and forward Adrien Perez considered major ones.
Nashville SC
As for Nashville, they stand a lot better in the Eastern Conference that DC do in the Western. At the moment, the team commanded by Gary Smith are sixth with 23 points from 16 matches, and while it may be too late for them to hope for the top spot currently occupied by Los Angeles FC with 30, they have every chance of staying within the play-off places. Dallas (25) and LA Galaxy (24) are directly above, while Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps share places seven and eight, both on 20 points.
As for Nashville’s recent form, their run of last six matches in the league consists of two wins, two draws and two defeats. They first lost 2-0 away to Houston, then beat CF Montreal at home by 2-1, drew 2-2 at home against Atlanta United, beat Colorado Rapids away by 1-3, played a goalless draw at home against San Jose Earthquakes, and eventually lost 1-2 at home to Sporting KC as Felipe Hernandez and Graham Zusi both scored fine goals. The only goal for Nashville in that match was the work of Ake Arnaud Loba as he provided some consolation for his team.
Team News
Much like his opposite number, Smith also has injury concerns ahead of the trip to the U.S. capital, one of which is apparently big – striker Teal Bunbury, and there will be no Irakoze Donasiyano behind the attacking line, given that the 24-year-old recently made his way to Phoenix Rising on loan.
Conclusion
Nashville are obviously on better form these days, and taking advantage of matches against teams in crisis is always imperative for those aspiring to achieve something. Therefore, a win for the visitors would probably be the most objective outcome on Saturday, even though most bookies see it the other way around.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 39/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
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