FC Dallas wraps up a two-game home stand for the month of March, when they take on Texas Derby rivals Houston Dynamo.
Just like we’ve done in previous seasons, to help preview the upcoming game for FC Dallas, we have asked those who cover the other side the closest for help. This week we’ve chatted with Dustyn Richardson from Bayou City Soccer to help preview this match.
Injury report
Center back Lucas Halter left last weekend's game with an injury and I would be surprised to see him play this week. Captain Artur was injured in preseason and remains out with a knee injury.
Recent Form
The Dynamo have two wins from their first 3 games, all of them at home. This will be their first road match of the season after the game against New England was postponed 2 weeks ago. Even with 6 points from a possible 9, the Dynamo have started slow, falling behind and trailing at halftime in all three games this season.
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Projected Starting Lineup/Formation
Projected Starting XI
Formation: 3-4-2-1Key players to watch out for
Guilherme, one of the Dynamo's new Designated Players, has burst onto the scene with 3 goals and an assist in 3 matches. Mateusz Bogusz, Houston's other DP signing this offseason, scored his first goal for the club last weekend. The two of them, along with Jack McGlynn playing deeper in midfield behind them, give the Dynamo the best attack they have had in some time.
What is one thing Houston does better than anyone else in MLS?
The Dynamo have been a very good possession team under head coach Ben Olsen, until last season. They struggled last season and it showed in the standings. Now they've shifted to a more pronounced back three and it looks to be giving their attackers more freedom and more options going forward. We'll see how that translates to a full season but right now the Dynamo are playing a back three very well, even with makeshift wingbacks.
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