FC Dallas have faced challenges in the Western Conference this season, but managed to secure a victory over a local rival in 2024. The club’s manager, Nico Estevez, expressed reluctance about playing consecutive matches against Texas rivals, yet remains eager to build on their win against Houston Dynamo by defeating Austin FC.
In their previous home game, Dallas triumphed over Houston 2-0, only to be defeated 3-1 by Toronto FC away in their subsequent match. Estevez’s team currently ranks 13th in the Western Conference with eight points, trailing Austin by eight points in sixth place. Despite the gap, Estevez believes they can replicate their success from the Houston game in the upcoming derby.
Estevez acknowledged the challenge of facing back-to-back games against tough opponents and stressed the importance of maintaining focus and motivation. He pointed out that Austin’s playing style emphasizes the wings and adopts a different tactical approach compared to other teams.
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On the other hand, Austin has won four of their last six MLS games, with their manager, Josh Wolff, expressing confidence as they climb the standings. Wolff emphasized the need to focus on each game individually and assesses the physical condition of both teams before competing.
Key players to watch include Sam Junqua from FC Dallas, who has shown consistent goal contributions in recent matches, and Brad Stuver from Austin FC, who has been instrumental in their impressive clean sheet streak.
Based on previous encounters and current form, the prediction favors a victory for FC Dallas, despite their slow start to the season. However, the unpredictable nature of derby matches leaves room for surprises, and Austin’s recent positive run may pose a challenge to Dallas’s ambitions. According to OPTA, Dallas has a 46.4% chance of winning, while a draw accounts for 28.2% and Austin’s probability stands at 25.4%.