Seattle Sounders will compete in their first home fixture of the season in the MLS Western Conference when they host Austin FC on Saturday.
Both teams will be looking to secure their first three points after they kick-started the campaign with a defeat.
Match preview
© Reuters
Seattle started the new season in disappointing fashion as they were condemned to a 2-1 loss against Los Angeles FC, which is a result they will be hoping to put behind them immediately.
Pedro de la Vega's penalty in the 73rd minute was unable to inspire a late comeback for them last weekend, but after a strong campaign last year, there should be no shortage of belief that it was a one-off.
The Rave Green had been hoping to avenge the defeat they had suffered in the MLS Cup semi-final against LAFC last season, but while they were unable to do that, the focus will immediately turn to Austin.
Brian Schmetzer guided the team to a second-place finish in the Western Conference in the previous campaign, picking up 14 victories on the way, and the focus is now to go at least one better.
Because their opponents finished 12th and missed out on the final series, it is a game that Seattle will be expecting to win.
© Reuters
However, with this being a fresh season, it is unclear how things will pan out this time, which is why Austin FC cannot be overlooked, and they will head into this game believing they can pick up their first points of the season as well.
Unfortunately for the Verde and Black, they were unable to secure a victory on the opening day of the campaign as they were defeated 2-1 by Minnesota United.
Austin left things too late in that game as Guilherme Biro did not find the back of the net until the 94th minute, but there was a lesson in defending until the end for the team.
There was potentially a point available if they had remained focused at the back, but Josh Wolff's men had conceded their second goal in the 90th minute.
With the season only just starting, there are plenty of opportunities for Austin to pick up some points, aiming to push up the table and make a major improvement on their finish in 2023.
Team News
© Reuters
Vega came off the bench and made a positive impact for Seattle last weekend, and after getting his name on the scoresheet, he could have done enough to earn a starting place this time around.
The Rave Green were missing several notable names for the opening game of the season as Joao Paulo, Albert Rusnak, Yeimar Andrade and Stefan Frei were all unavailable, and they are once again doubts this time around.
Biro will be hunting to feature from the first minute this weekend after coming on as a substitute last weekend and getting a goal for Austin.
Diego Rubio and Jader Obrian both shone brightly in cameo roles as well, giving Wolff plenty to think about when it comes to who should start this time around.
Seattle Sounders possible starting lineup:
Thomas; A. Roldan, Nathan, Baker, Tolo; Atencio, Vargas; C. Roldan, Rusnak, De la Vega; Morris
Austin FC possible starting lineup:
Stuver; Gallagher, Cascante, Vaisanen, Biro; Ring, Valencia; Finlay, Driussi, Wolff; Rigoni
We say: Seattle Sounders 2-0 Austin FC
Seattle Sounders will be one of the favourites to finish top of the Western Conference this season, so picking up points early in the new campaign is going to be crucial.
With the home advantage and a stronger squad, Seattle should have enough quality to claim three points comfortably.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
