Seattle Sounders vs Austin FC Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips
Seattle Sounders vs Austin FC Preview
The Seattle Sounders are hosting Austin FC on Saturday in their 2024 MLS home-opener and after their less-than-ideal start to the season, they’re probably expecting a better showing. Then again, Austin FC’s opening game of the 2024 season also went the same way, with both teams losing 2-1 to LAFC and Minnesota United respectively. However, Los Verdes weren’t even up for their loss to the Loons and let Minnesota walk away with all three points, putting little to no fight.
But the same cannot be said about The Sounders, who were without five starters from the jump although new arrival Pedro de la Vega walked off the bench to score. Still even then, while the two teams haven’t started well, early season predictions have put the Sounders to finish close to the top three in the Western Conference. That doesn’t apply for the Los Verdes, who have been predicted to finish somewhere between 10th and 14th in the same conference.
It does mean a tough fight for manager Josh Wolff against the Sounders but with his counterpart’s, Brian Schmetzer, team depleted by injuries this could be a chance to force an upset.
Seattle Sounders vs Austin FC Team News
Seattle Sounders
As mentioned previously, the Seattle Sounders have been decimated by injuries which played a part in their opening-day defeat to LAFC. The club was without five starters from the jump: goalkeeper Stefan Frei, defender Yeimar Gómez Andrade, midfielders João Paulo and Albert Rusnák as well as new arrival Pedro de la Vega. However, De le Vega walked off the bench to score the only goal for his new side but may not be fit enough to start against Austin.
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The same can’t be said about the other four although reports have indicated that Gomez Andrade may be fit enough to play the week after against Philadelphia Union. However, the bigger issue is the fact that forward Raul Ruidiaz was subbed off in their opening weekend loss with a rib injury. While no update has been issued since, there is a chance that the forward doesn’t make the cut for the weekend.
Austin FC
Unlike the Sounders, Los Verdes are in slightly better shape as they will be without Sebastian Driussi (hamstring) and defender Vaisanen (plantar fasciitis). Neither player has a return date attached to them right now and manager Brian Schmetzer also confirmed that the club are not going to rush them back.
Seattle Sounders vs Austin FC Predicted lineups
Seattle Sounders
With several injuries and the probability of at least four starters not being available, it does mean that Brian Schmetzer’s options are limited.
Predicted XI: Andrew Thomas; Alex Roldan, Jackson Ragen, Nathan, Nouhou; Cristian Roldan, Obed Vargas, Josh Atencio, Leo Chu; Danny Musovski, Jordan Morris
Austin FC
Unlike his counterpart, Josh Wolff has only two injuries to concern himself with but will still likely name a squad similar to their last game.
Predicted XI: Brad Stuver; Jon Gallagher, Leo Väisänen, Matt Hedges, Zan Kolmanic; Daniel Pereira, Alexander Ring; Ethan Finlay, Owen Wolff, Emiliano Rigoni; Gyasi Zardes
Seattle Sounders vs Austin FC Prediction
While three out of the last five games played between the two sides have gone the way of the Sounders, there is a chance Austin FC manages to knock the injury-depleted Sounders out. But it will take a beyond-impressive defensive and offensive performance to do so, something that they may struggle with.
Predictions: Seattle Sounders 2-1 Austin FC
Seattle Sounders vs Austin FC Head-to-Head
Played: 6; Seattle Sounders: 3, Austin FC: 1, Draws: 2.
Last five games:
Austin FC 1-2 Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC 1-2 Austin FC (MLS)
Seattle Sounders 3-0 Austin FC (MLS)
Austin FC 1-1 Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Austin FC 0-1 Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Seattle Sounders vs Austin FC Betting Tips
Seattle Sounders vs Austin FC Betting tips:
Seattle Sounders win.
Both teams to score: Yes
First team to score: Seattle Sounder
Seattle Sounders vs Austin FC Odds:
Seattle Sounders: 1.59
Draw: 4.10
Austin FC: 5.70
Seattle Sounders vs Austin FC Timings and Telecast
- Lumen Field 10:30 PM ET – Sunday, March 3rd
- India: MLS Season Pass
- United Kingdom: MLS Season Pass
- US: Apple TV.
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