- Austin FC have won two of their last ten matches (all-competitions).
- Seattle Sounders have won five of their last ten in all competitions.
Seattle can avoid upset at Austin FC
Austin FC have lost their last three matches, during which time they have suffered a 5-0 thrashing at San Diego FC and a pair of home defeats to Sporting Kansas City and St. Louis City. Seattle Sounders arrive on a 2-game losing run after a 2-0 home defeat to LA Galaxy was followed by a 1-0 defeat away at Los Angeles FC.
Seattle come into the game as slight favorites at 2.14, with Austin 3.47 and the draw 3.62. The market isn't too far from the truth in pricing this one as the visitors are the team with the cleaner record and are more likely to get the job done.
Austin are 2-0-2 at home (all-competitions) so Q2 Stadium should give them a lift, but Davy Arnaud's men have been unable to get into their stride and Seattle have the better of the form overall. A close game with goals is possible, however, and Seattle look the better bet to ensure that the upset doesn't occur.
Seattle’s structure should outweigh Austin’s talent
Austin have more talent on paper, but their shape and function on the pitch has been a little all over the place. Seattle are a team that play in a structured, possession-based manner, with a phased build-up, half-space overloads and a plan to control the rhythm of the game.
Austin's set-up is a little more fluid - usually a back four with attackers that rotate around them - but their pressing and tempo have been less predictable. Christian Ramirez has been a good spark for Austin and has scored two of their five goals across the last five games, but Myrto Uzuni is their main threat with five MLS goals in 13 appearances. He has the form to keep a blunt Austin attack on the scoresheet.
Seattle have scored just two goals in their last four away matches (all-competitions), which isn't great, but Austin have scored six goals in their last four at home, so the hosts can land a blow at Q2 Stadium. Both teams to score is my pick at 1.58 while over 2.5 goals has some value at 1.76.
