Houston Dynamo Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera expects to unload a more intense attack on home opponents this season. Atlanta United get to oppose it with their more experienced attack.
The Houston Dynamo plan more intense attacks and stronger midfield disruption this season. Atlanta United have a more experienced 4-2-3-1 staff to attack and break through the defense in their first game of the season.
Houston Dynamo
2017 Record (W-L-D): 13-10-11. Finished 4th in Western Conference
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
Last Time Out: Knocked out of the second leg of the conference play-offs by the Seattle Sounders. Yet they became only the third expansion club to make the MLS playoffs in their first season.
Player to Watch For: Start out with F Alberth Elis. He rained goals through regular post-season games last season. He vows to place among the league’s goal-leaders this season. Should you want to move on, go for F Mauro Manotas. He’s essentially promised the same thing.
Should both player make good on promises in this first game, it will rank as a goal-record in MLS.
Why They Win: They remained practically unbeatable at home last season. If the team really has improved in all areas, they graduate to really unbeatable.
Why They Won’t: The road opponents in this first game have improved, as well.
Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):
Early Projected Houston Dynamo lineup for 2018. pic.twitter.com/x4eQvpAKzD
— Chuck Wharton (@chuckx777) February 20, 2018
Atlanta United FC
2017 Record (W-L-D): 15-9-10, 4th in Eastern Conference
Last Time Out: Shootout loss to Columbus Crew in the first round of the playoffs.
Player to Watch For: Start with F Josef Martinez. He scored a hat-trick against Houston last season. If you want to change during the game, shift to M Miguel Almiron. He’ll put on a clinic winning duels and passing with extraordinary accuracy.
Why They Win: If most of the first half passes with a low score, the road opponents figured it out. They’ll win.
Why They Won’t: Houston’s home pitch has the effect of adding three players on defense. In the best games, it adds one in the midfield.
Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Projected Atlanta United FC lineup vs. Houston Dynamo on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/Cxes9sxNKY
— Chuck Wharton (@chuckx777) March 2, 2018
Score Prediction:
Next: Three things to watch: Real Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas
How to Watch:
Where: BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston
When: 3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, March 3.
Channel: Univision
Stream: MLS Live