Preview: Austin FC vs Dallas - prediction, team news, lineups

Austin FC welcome FC Dallas to Q2 Stadium on Sunday in the Major League Soccer, looking to extend their impressive run, while the visitors aim to pull off an upset.

The hosts are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, while Dallas also come into the fixture in high spirits after a 2-0 home victory over Portland Timbers.

Match preview

The Verde’s search for consistency sees them sitting seventh in the Western Conference table with 34 points from 24 matches (W9, D7, L8).

Their last four league outings have produced two wins and two draws, including a frustrating 2-2 stalemate against Houston Dynamo last time out.

Goals from Ilie Sanchez and Osman Bukari in the 31st and 41st minutes gave them a comfortable lead, but Houston hit back through Jack McGlynn, who scored twice - the first from the penalty spot - to snatch a point.

After narrowly missing out on a top-nine finish last season by just five points, Austin’s improved form has pushed them into the playoff places.

Under Nico Estevez, the side are strong at protecting leads, rarely losing when scoring first, but they remain wasteful in front of goal.

Historically, Austin have enjoyed the better of this fixture, winning five, drawing two and losing three of their last 10 meetings with Dallas.

Los Toros are enduring a disappointing campaign, languishing in 11th place with 28 points from 25 matches (W7, D7, L11).

Defensive frailties have been costly - they have conceded 45 goals, the joint third-highest tally in the Western Conference, while scoring 37.

It marks little progress from last season, when they finished 11th on 41 points, and they could end up lower this term.

Their 2-0 win over Portland, courtesy of goals from Petar Musa and Lalas Abubakar, was impressive, but they have not won back-to-back league matches since March.

Eric Quill’s men are strong at creating chances through incisive through balls, but they struggle converting them, defending set pieces and maintaining possession.

Austin FC Major League Soccer form:

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Austin FC form (all competitions):

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Dallas Major League Soccer form:

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Team News

Austin will again be without forward Brandon Vazquez, who has missed the last four matches since picking up an injury against San Jose Earthquakes on July 9.

Midfielder Nicky Beloko has also missed the last three games due to health concerns and remains a major doubt.

Quill’s team is currently battling with a lengthy injury list, as multiple first-team regulars remain sidelined.

A knee problem kept Paxton Pomykal out of the Dallas squad in their last match, while Geovane Jesus has also been sidelined with an injury to the same area in recent months.

Enzo Newman will not be in Quill’s plans this weekend either, while Herbert Endeley remains out with a cruciate ligament tear, with no fixed date for his return.

Austin FC possible starting lineup:

Stuver; Desler, Hines-Ike, Svatok, Biro; Bukari, Pereira, Sanchez, Wolff; Rubio, Uzuni

Dallas possible starting lineup:

Paes; Abubakar, Moore, Torquato; Kaick, Ramiro, Urhoghide, Ibeagha; Farrington, Delgado, Musa

We say: Austin FC 3-1 Dallas

Austin’s strong home record and ability to protect leads make them clear favourites, especially with Dallas’ defensive frailties this season.

With the hosts unbeaten in five matches and boasting the better head-to-head record, they should have enough quality to record another win, though Dallas could still nick a goal.

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