Houston Dynamo to roar back on track against Toronto FC

Houston Dynamo must win and make a statement to supporters they’re turning toward the playoffs. They meet last-place Eastern Conference Toronto FC on Saturday afternoon.

But that doesn’t mean Toronto FC don’t want to make a statement against Houston Dynamo. D Nicolas Hasler told home media point-blank the team headed to Houston for a win. Period.

With Toronto’s disruption machine going against Houston’s attacker’s, supporters on both sides will get one of this season’s wildest games. Expect Houston to favor a 4-3-3 formation with defensive scheme. Toronto should oppose with the same 4-3-3, but an offensive-scheme.

But mainly expect a dramatic clash because both teams want a victorious turnaround. And fast.

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Houston Dynamo

Current Record (W-L-D): 1-2-2, 9^th in Western Conference

Last Time Out: 2-2 draw at San Jose Earthquakes.

Player to Watch For: Hard to give up focus on forwards Alberth Elis and Mauro Manotas. But M Tomás Martínez started making some noise. He scored a goal and assist against San Jose last week. He’s only the 11^th Dynamo player to do so. Keep an eye on him.

Why They Win: They acknowledged their solution by working out some of their kinks last week. The Dynamo have a 1-2-0 home record. All they need now is to make that 2-2-0 before nightfall Saturday.

Why They Won’t: The team can’t lose to Toronto FC. They could draw if the forwards keep taking the majority of their shots before placing them.

Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):

Toronto FC

Current Record (W-L-D): 1-3-0, 11^th in Eastern Conference

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Last Time Out: 2-0 loss at Colorado Rapids. Also,a 2-1 loss to Chivas de Guadalajara in CONCACAF Champions League.

Player to Watch For: Check D/M Nicolas Hasler as he poses effective disruption to Dynamo attacks. He starts in a defensive position. But he’ll move up to midfield to become a score- and assist-threat.

Why They Win: This early in the season with the way the team has performed make a win impossible. They could draw if players make good on their promises to disrupt the Dynamo offense. A penalty kick would cinch it.

Why They Won’t: This team has a 0-2-0 away record. And the road performance looks even worse than that.

Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3):

Score Prediction:

Next: MLS Week Seven Power Rankings

How to Watch:

Where: BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, TX.
When: 3 p.m. ET, Saturday, April 21.
Channel: ESPN+, CTV, KUBE 57 in Houston.