Dallas play host to Houston Dynamo in their all-Texan MLS fixture looking to move into the playoff positions in the Western Conference table.
However, the visitors head into this fixture knowing that collecting all three points on their travels will see them go above their 10th-placed opponents.
Match preview
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Despite possessing a game in hand on the teams directly above them, Dallas have been nothing short of inconsistent throughout the first 12 games of this campaign.
Four wins, four draws and four defeats have come across that period, only putting together a two-match winning streak and losing run at any point.
Just one victory has been posted in six games, albeit that coming away at Inter Miami where they prevailed by a 4-3 scoreline.
However, a 5-0 reverse at San Diego FC followed before Eric Quill's team earned a 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake last time out.
Dallas have netted just four times in five home fixtures this campaign, but they did start the season with a 2-1 triumph away at their next opponents.
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As for Houston Dynamo, they have rallied to salvage their season having started 2025 with a six-game winless streak.
Since then, three victories and two draws have been posted from seven games, each of their three wins coming at their home ground all with clean sheets.
Just two points and three goals have been recorded in their five away matches, although it should be noted that they have kept two clean sheets.
Ben Olsen's side head into this contest looking to register back-to-back victories in MLS for the first time since July having beaten third-placed Minnesota United last time out.
Team News
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Pedrinho is pushing for a recall to the Dallas XI on the back of supplying an assist soon after his introduction against Real Salt Lake.
Show could be the player to miss out in midfield, while Petar Musa is in line to return on the flank as a replacement for Bernard Kamungo.
While Femi Awodesu is available again after serving a ban, the centre-back may not return to the team courtesy of Houston's win over Minnesota.
Barring any fitness issues, the starting lineup may stay the same, although Sebastian Kowalczyk is an option for the final third having made nine starts and four substitute outings this campaign.
Ezequiel Ponce should retain his spot down the centre of the attack despite only netting three times in 13 games.
Dallas possible starting lineup:
Paes; Abubakar, Ibeagha, Urhoghide, Norris; Ntsabeleng, Kaick, Pedrinho; Musa, Acosta, Julio
Houston Dynamo possible starting lineup:
Bond, Dorsey, Bartlow, Ortiz, Andrade; Artur, Urso; McGlynn, Bassi, Lingr; Ponce
We say: Dallas 1-1 Houston Dynamo
The inconsistency of both teams may lead to a competitive affair, albeit not particularly full of quality. As a result, we are backing a low-scoring draw, a result that would suit neither side.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
