Dallas will be without Acosta and Hedges, both of whom have been called up by the United States for the upcoming Gold Cup. Zimmerman remains injured, which could result in Hume getting a rare start alongside Figueroa in a makeshift defence. Ulloa should cover for Acosta, playing alongside the aggressive Gruezo. Lamah returns after overcoming injury and will look to provide support for Urruti. The hosts have not won in their last 3 league games and are looking to find the consistency which made them so strong at the start of the season. Motivation is high for this match, as they face an opponent who are in great form and are one of the strongest sides in the competition. 3 of their next 4 games at home, Dallas have a chance to build some momentum and have only lost once at home in 2017. Dallas have used various formations this season and for this game 4-2-3-1 is expected. Diaz will play behind the striker, given the freedom to drop deep and get involved in the build-up play. The hosts will sit deep without the ball, forced to track the attacking wing backs in the away side. Dallas usually have less possession than opponents and rely on a direct approach with pace on both wings.
Toronto will be without Osorio, Edwards, Ricketts, Cooper and Morrow, all of whom have been called up for the upcoming Gold Cup. In better news, Bradley returns after serving a suspension in the last league match. The absence of Morrow will force a change in the left wing-back role, with Mavinga a strong contender. Giovinco and Altidore will lead the attack and have a strong understanding. Sitting top of the Eastern Conference, Toronto have made a great start to the season and are determined to go one step further this season. Losing just 1 of their last 11 league games, Toronto are full of confidence and will be aiming for all 3 points to maintain their position at the top of the league. Toronto’s next 3 league games are all away from home, representing a tough schedule. Toronto like to use a 3 man defence and despite missing some players coach Vanney is likely to maintain the same shape. The visitors will be confident of getting a win at a tough venue, scoring first would allow the side to change approach and drop the wing-backs into a deeper position. A draw would represent a good result, maintaining belief ahead of tough away games on the horizon.
Verdict & Prediction
Lost just 1 of their last 11 league games, Toronto currently sit top of the Eastern Conference and they are determined to stay in this position. The players are dealing well with the pressure, opposing sides are raising their game to try and beat them but Toronto are remaining composed. Toronto enter a significant period of the season, with their next 3 games all away from home against strong opposition. Coach Vanney has spoken about the significance of these upcoming fixtures, should Toronto pick up a decent points haul they will be in a very strong position. The visitors will be confident of winning at a tough venue, the confidence within the team is superb at the moment. A win would be another statement of intent, Toronto are hungry to go one step further this season and lift silverware. The pain of last season is a big source of motivation.
Prediction: Toronto +0.50 Asian Handicap (Same as Double Chance option)
Odds: 1.93 Pinnacle
Another betting preview for tonight: Chicago Fire v Vancouver Whitecaps – MLS. Good luck!
