FC Dallas remains at home this weekend, as they take on one of the top teams in the MLS Eastern Conference, Nashville SC.
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 chatted with Ben Wright from Six One Five Soccer, to help preview Nashville SC.
You can check out our answers to Ben’s questions here:
SixOneFive Soccer Staff
Injury report
Nope!
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Nashville have started 2026 in pretty much perfect form. They kicked off their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign with a 7-0 aggregate win over Atletico Ottawa, and beat New England Revolution 4-1 in their MLS opener. They've picked up right where they left off in 2025, creating consistent chances and really just outgunning their opponents.
Under BJ Callaghan, they have a clear tactical foundation, but they've added real quality in the offseason. They were widely viewed as a contender going into the year, and they've backed it up so far.
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Projected Starting Lineup/Formation
Projected Starting XI
Formation: 4-4-2Key players to watch out for
For a long time, the easy answer was Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge. That's still the case (they both scored in their 4-1 win over the Revs), but this is a much more well-rounded side now. Cristian Espinoza has added quality distribution on the right, with Warren Madrigal a surprise start on the left, scoring and adding two assists in his MLS debut.
Patrick Yazbek has taken a step forward in midfield, and looks a much better ball progressor. He could be joined by Dallas academy product Matt Corcoran, who's probably the best passer on the team and has been tipped to replace Gaston Brugman.
And then at the back, Maxwell Woledzi came in and immediately formed a partnership with Jeisson Palacios that looks like a solid foundation. They're a really fun center back duo, and give Andy Najar the platform to bomb forward.
What is one thing Nashville does better than anyone else in MLS?
They create consistent scoring chances for Sam Surridge. The entire team is build around getting the ball to the striker in dangerous spots, where he has a fairly simple finish. They did it well all 2025, and look even better in 2026.
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