D.c. United D.c. vs Fc Dallas Dal Picks and Predictions August 24th 2024

FC Dallas and D.C. United Prepare for Critical Playoff Push

As the Major League Soccer (MLS) standard season resumes observing the Leagues Cup break, FC Dallas and D.C. United end up in a basic point of their seasons. The two groups are as of now beneath the playoff line in their separate conferences, and Saturday’s matchup in Washington, D.C., presents a vital chance for each club to launch their last playoff push.

FC Dallas: Aiming for Consistency with a Healthier Squad

FC Dallas enters this coordinate with a record of 8-11-6 and 30 focuses, setting them right external the playoff positions in the Western Conference. In spite of their battles prior in the season, Dallas gave indications of progress before the Leagues Cup break, going 2-0-1 in their last three MLS matches. In any case, they couldn’t convey that force into the Leagues Cup, where they were killed in the gathering stage.

The uplifting news for Dallas is that they are getting back to MLS activity with a lot better crew, which has been reinforced by the arrival of central members and new signings procured during the exchange window. Break mentor Peter Luccin communicated confidence about the group’s possibilities now that their program is more finished.

“It was hard for us to play in three competitions with so many injuries. … Now we can tell that the roster is more complete, to be honest,” Luccin said, highlighting the challenges the team faced earlier in the season.

One of the most significant boosts for Dallas is the potential return of designated players Alan Velasco and Jesus Ferreira. Velasco has been sidelined since tearing his left ACL during last season’s MLS Cup playoffs, while Ferreira has missed two months due to a leg injury. Their availability could provide the attacking spark that Dallas needs to secure vital points on the road.

D.C. United: Building on Recent Momentum

D.C. United, with a record of 6-11-8 and 26 points, also finds themselves outside the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. However, the team has shown resilience in recent weeks, bouncing back from an alarming 0-8-3 stretch that threatened to derail their season. D.C. United won their last two regular-season matches before the Leagues Cup break and performed well in the tournament, winning their group before falling to Mazatlan in the first knockout round.

Head coach Troy Lesesne has been pleased with the team’s recent form and is focused on maintaining that momentum as they enter the final stretch of the season.

“We really did what we wanted to,” Lesesne said of their Leagues Cup performance. “To be able to sustain that momentum and say, ‘OK, we’re going to come out of that competition and really try to focus on the final nine (regular-season) matches, making the most of what’s left of 2024.’”

D.C. United’s lineup has also been strengthened by new acquisitions during the transfer window. Players like David Schnegg, Dominique Badji, and Boris Enow made their debuts during the Leagues Cup and are expected to play crucial roles as the team pushes for a playoff spot. With these reinforcements, Lesesne will be hoping to continue the positive trajectory the team has been on.

Key Considerations: Home and Away Form

One of the key factors in this matchup is the contrast between D.C. United’s home form and FC Dallas’s struggles on the road. D.C. United has been somewhat inconsistent at home this season, with a record of 4-6-3. However, they have managed to pick up crucial points in recent home matches and will be looking to capitalize on this advantage.

On the other hand, FC Dallas has yet to win an away game this season, with a dismal record of 0-8-4 on the road. Along with St. Louis City, Dallas is one of the only two MLS teams without an away victory this season. This statistic underscores the challenge they face as they travel to Washington, D.C., in search of a much-needed three points.

Tactical Battle: Offense vs. Defense

For FC Dallas, the return of key attackers like Velasco and Ferreira could be decisive. Their ability to break down D.C. United’s defense will be crucial, especially given Dallas’s struggles to score on the road. Meanwhile, D.C. United’s defensive unit, bolstered by recent signings, will need to stay organized and compact to withstand the pressure and look for opportunities to counter-attack.

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D.C. United will likely rely on their home crowd and the momentum they’ve built in recent weeks to push forward and create scoring chances. Players like Benteke, who has been crucial in their attack, will be key to breaking down Dallas’s defense, which has been shaky at times this season.

Conclusion

As FC Dallas and D.C. United get ready to go head to head, the two groups realize that the edge for blunder is thin as they battle for a spot in the playoffs. With the season approaching its end, each point is vital, and the two groups will be frantic to get a triumph that could help their playoff trusts.

For Dallas, the test is clear: break their away winless streak and profit by the arrival of central participants. For D.C. United, the emphasis will be on proceeding with their new great structure and capitalizing on their home benefit. With the two groups uniformly coordinated and mindful of the stakes, this vows to be a strained and serious experience that could have huge ramifications for the playoff race in the two conferences.