FC Dallas vs D.C. United: Preview, prediction and how to watch online

FC Dallas hits the road for the second time this season as they look to down D.C. United on Saturday evening.

FC Dallas notes:

International absences: Kellyn Acosta, Walker Zimmerman (USA U-23; vs. Colombia U-23 3/25, 3/29s); Tesho Akindele (Canada; vs. Mexico 3/25, 3/29); Moises Hernandez (Guatemala; vs. USA 3/25, 3/29); Maynor Figueroa (Honduras; vs. El Salvador 3/25, 3/29); Atiba Harris (St. Kitts and Nevis; vs Aruba 3/25, vs. Antigua and Barbuda 3/29); Jesse Gonzalez (Mexico U-23)

Changes in the defense. With those seven players out of the lineup, FCD's defense has four options: Hedges, Loyd, Guillen and Hollingshead. The FCD midfielders and forward (Maxi Urruti) from last week's win remain intact (Mauro Diaz, Michael Barrios, Fabian Castillo, Victor Ulloa and Carlos Gruezo).

Against the East. According to the club's game notes, Pareja is 12‐4‐3 against the east in the past two seasons.

Speed leading to offsides. FC Dallas is known for its team speed. Led by Colombian Fabian Castillo, who led FCD in offside calls in 2014 (31) and 2015 (16). Despite his quickness, Castillo was able to harness his ability last season, cutting his infraction rate in half (‐15). The 16 whistles Castillo sparked for offside calls last season was an all‐time franchise low (two below Blas Perez's 18 in 2012).

Key player for FCD: Matt Hedges. This is one of those games that the captain will have to step up and lead this back four that has a lot of changes from the previous week. Not to mention he and Chris Seitz will have to be on the same page.

Biggest question: How will FCD those seven players being gone?

We have talked a lot about that this week but the key will certainly come down to how well the attack does to keep the ball moving forward and not allowing DCU to get pressure down the middle of the field in front of potential starter Aaron Gullien.

How to watch

Match date/time: Saturday, 3/26, 4:30PM

Venue: RFK Stadium

TV: Time Warner Cable Sports

Online: MLS Live

Look out for our game thread, which will go up an hour before kick off.