Playoff-hopefuls FC Dallas will continue their pursuit of a top-seven finish when they travel to Texas for a Saturday evening clash against Houston Dynamo.
Houston are yet to properly find form this season and will be hoping to rise up the Western Conference before the season comes to a close.
Match preview
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It has been a decent season for Dallas so far, who enter the weekend fifth in the table with seven wins from their 18 Major League Soccer matches so far.
With a playoff spot firmly in their sights, Dallas will know it is important that they keep picking up points if they are to maintain a place in the top seven.
However, recent form suggests that has been a struggle for the Texas-based outfit, as they are without a win in their last four outings.
While their form may be shaky, it is significantly better than their weekend opponents, who boast just one win from the last five outings of their own.
A disappointing return, Houston will be looking to bounce back from their last match in MLS, where they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against newbies Charlotte.
The good news for the Dynamo is the fact that this weekend's clash comes at home, where they have taken four of their six wins this season.
Even more confidence can be taken from the fact that Houston have taken three wins from their last five home matches against fellow Texan side Dallas.
For Dallas, they will be looking to make it two wins from two against Houston this season, having triumphed against the Dynamo in April of this year.
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Team News
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Readying themselves for their cross-state trip to Houston, Dallas will make the journey without midfielder Lucas Bartlett, who is missing with a broken rib.
Joshue Quinonez is another absentee for Dallas, as the Ecuadorian defender is out with an ankle problem.
Unlike Dallas, Houston are without any injury problems and will likely turn to Sebastian Ferreira to lead the line for Dynamo.
Matias Vera should feature in midfield for Houston, with the 26-year-old looking to make amends for scoring an own goal in the recent defeat to Charlotte.
Houston Dynamo possible starting lineup:
Clark; Zeca, Steres, Parker, Lundqvist; Ceren, Vera; Ulfarsson, Quintero, Carrasquilla; Ferreira
Dallas possible starting lineup:
Paes; Twumasi, Burgess, Hedges, Farfan; Servania, Cerrillo, Pomykal; Arriola, Ferreira, Obrian
We say: Houston Dynamo 1-2 Dallas
Houston have endured a stuttering season this year, but they certainly have the quality to turn it around.
While they may enjoy an upturn in form, it is unlikely to start this weekend, with Dallas expected to take three points against a flagging Houston outfit.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Amos Murphy
