Seattle Sounders vs DC United Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

They may be the team that has been to each of the last two MLS Cup finals, one of which they won, but Seattle are a team out of form right now. The hosts come here having lost each of their last three league matches. Losing games is one thing, though the fact that his side have failed to score in each of those three losses may be more concerning for manager Brian Schmetzer. However, a home match against a DC United team who’re bottom of the Eastern Conference provides the hosts with the perfect opportunity to bounce back.

As far as recent form goes, the visitors haven’t done too badly. They’ve avoided defeat in each of their last two, though those results weren’t enough to drag Ben Olsen’s men off the foot of the Easter Conference. With their recent upturn in form, DC United may fancy themselves to get something from this match, though they will need to improve defensively, even against a Seattle side that hasn’t scored in three.

They may not be in great form right now, though, as mentioned above, this is a massive chance for Seattle to bounce back. From a defensive point of view, having conceded just four goals in five games at home, the hosts have performed admirably – only three of the 23 MLS teams have conceded less home goals than Seattle this season – but they need to improve massively from an offensive point of view. Just three goals scored in five home matches is not good enough, especially for a team who expect to be challenging at the top of the table.

The saving grace for Seattle on this occasion should be the fact that DC are poor at the back, particularly on their travels. They do often score goals, but their somewhat open style is seemingly more of hinderance than a help. Having conceded no less than 16 goals in eight away matches, the visitors have not been up to scratch defensively when playing away from home. Such defensive frailties could open the door for a misfiring Seattle.

If we look at Seattle’s recent home performances, it’s fair to say that they haven’t fared too badly. Defensively, Schmetzer’s team give little away, while they’ve dominated most of their matches. Coming up with regular end-product has been something of an issue, but they did stick three past Minnesota not too long ago, who like DC are weak at the back.

Unlike the hosts, who’ve appeared to be quite secure at the back, especially at home, DC have struggled massively to keep goals out on the road. The visitors are without a clean sheet away from home this season, while they’ve conceded at least twice in exactly 50% of their travelling matches. A lack of defensive strength has already cost them on numerous occasions, and that could once again be the case here.

In all honesty, in terms of quality, Seattle have more of it. They ought to be capable of dominating the game against DC and should have what it takes to come up with goals against a rear-guard that can be described as leaky. At the prices, ‘Seattle Sounders to Win & Over 2.5 Goals’ stands out.