Nashville SC continues to extend their unbeaten streak with a 3-1 win over Columbus Crew. After a full week of rest, the ‘Yotes travel to Frisco Texas to face the familiar FC Dallas. Can Nashville make it eight unbeaten in the league? Will Dallas bounce back from their midweek loss against Sporting KC?
FC Dallas
4th (West) | 23 points | 6-5-4 | +2 GD |
Power Rankings: 11
Injuries / Absences:
Out: Edwin Cerillo (Yellow Card Suspension), Paul Arriola (right thigh), Sebastian Lletget (right thigh), Tsiki Ntsabeleng (knee sprain), Ema Twumasi (ankle), Tarik Scott (season-ending injury)
Questionable: Unavailable
FC Dallas fell 2-1 against Sporting Kansas City in their midweek matchup, extending their winless streak to three matches. They now have to head back to Texas to take on one of the most inform teams in the league.
While Nashville and FC Dallas recently played each other in the Open Cup, it will be a much different match. FC Dallas may have played a pretty full strength team, Nashville put out a much rotated squad. It ended with a Nashville win and this time they have to deal with Hany Mukhtar.
Nico Estevez has his work cut out for him when selecting a squad. Not only did he have to contend with a midweek match, he is dealing with an injury crisis. No less than six first team players will be missing due to injury and suspension.
The injuries has required Estevez to change his formation in recent weeks away from his preferred 4-3-3. Against SKC, he went with a flat 4-4-2 formation to limit the number of central midfielders needed. Tactically, the still play very similar. They will prioritze possession and look to create chances from the wide positions.
Dallas will have their work cut out with them as Nashville’s diamond could allow them to possess the ball a bit more and cut through the Dallas midfield.
Nashville SC
2nd (East) | 28 points | 8-4-3 | +10 GD |
Power Rankings: 1
Injuries / Absences:
Out: Nick DePuy (season-ending injury list)
Questionable: Walker Zimmerman (lower body)
The Boys in Gold put together a great win against Columbus Crew on Sunday. The most impressive part was the fight back after going down a goal early in the first half. One of the biggest criticism of this team has been that once they go down, they find it hard to get ahead.
That doesn’t seem to be an issue any longer, especially with the form of Hany Mukhtar. The reigning MVP was named MLS Player of the Month, after leading the league with eight goals and two assists in May.
Nashville was one of the few teams that did not have a midweek match and after a few weeks of a congested schedule, the rest was certainly appreciated. While Nashville is relatively healthy, being able to head into a match with more rest than your opponent is almost always an advantage.
To the delight of both the fans and coaching staff, Walker Zimmerman made his first appearance for Nashville since the LAFC match on April 22nd. It was only a short cameo but Zimmerman came in and helped close out the match. Tonight, I expect to see him make a return to the starting lineup.
Unfortunately, it will be short lived as Zimmerman will head off to National duty, called up to the USMNT for the upcoming Nations League games.
Outside of the Zimmerman, the lineup should look very similar to what we saw against Columbus. The only realy changes could be in the midfield and up top next to Bunburry. Fafa Picault has been the preferred option away from home and expect it to continue but we could see Jacob Shaffelburg.
Pod Picks
Chris Ivey
Score: Nashville 1-1 Dallas
Scorers: Hany Mukhtar
MOTM: Hany Mukhtar
Bold Prediction: Both teams finish with less than 1.0 xG
Ben Wright
Score: Nashville 1-1 Dallas
Scorers: Hany Mukhtar
MOTM: Hany Mukhtar
Bold Prediction: Walker Zimmerman starts
Andy Simmons
Score: Nashville 2-2 Dallas
Scorers: Hany Mukhtar, Fafa Picault
MOTM: Hany Mukhtar
Bold Prediction: Dallas grabs a late equalizer
Jonathan Slape
Score: Nashville 1-0 Dallas
Scorers: Hany Mukhtar
MOTM: Hany Mukhtar
Bold Prediction: Nashville grabs a winner on the counter late in the second half
Valair Shabilla
Score: Nashville 2-1 Dallas
Scorers: Hany Mukhtar, Jack Maher
MOTM: Hany Mukhtar
Bold Prediction: Nashville will have 3 -4 shots on target
Fan Forecast
After a full week of rest, #EveryoneN are back on the road. Tonight, they take on #DTID for the second time in a month.
— Speedway Soccer 🐺 (@SpeedwaySoc) June 3, 2023
Vote in our #FanForecast and reply with a #BoldPrediction.
Matchday -2 presser
Preview pod
Match info
Teams: Charlotte FC v. Nashville SC
Odds: DAL (+138), Draw (+210), NSH (+200) via BetMGM
Date: Saturday, June 3
Time: 7:30 pm CDT, Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas
TV: Apple TV- Free
Radio: 104.5 The Zone (English); El Jefe 96.7 (Spanish)
Forecast: 82°/64°. Scattered Thunderstorms. 60% chance of rain. 69% humidity
