Two sides inside the playoffs in the Western Conference will face each other this weekend when Austin FC plays host to Nashville SC at Q2 Stadium in the 32nd game week of the MLS. Kickoffs on September 18 at 04:00 EAT.
With three games left to play in the regular season, Austin FC has already secured a place in the MLS playoffs. Although the top spot in the Western Conference is out of reach, a win at the weekend would seal second position if Dallas loses to San Jose Earthquakes. Coming into this game, Austin has struggled recently losing four of their last six matches.
Austin FC fans will want more of the same results after 3-0 MLS win to beat Real Salt Lake in their previous game. In that match, Austin FC had 45% possession, 14 shots with three of them on target and goals scored by Moussa Djitté (60′, 76′, and 80’). Real Salt Lake got 17 shots with six of them on target.
Nashville on the other side currently occupies the fourth spot with 46 points, with eight points separating them from their opponents the visitors will be looking over their shoulders. Gary Smith’s side will certainly be confident that they can remain in the top seven in the final three games as they look to extend a five-game unbeaten run on Sunday.
Nashville shared the spoils 1-1 MLS with Los Angeles Galaxy in their most recent fixture. In that match, Nashville had 32% possession, 10 shots with two of them on target and a goal by Hany Mukhtar (29′). Los Angeles Galaxy got 22 shots with eight of them on target and a goal by Riqui Puig (99′)
Austin FC vs. Nashville SC head to head
Sunday’s fixture will be the third head to head encounter between these two sides, Nashville won in both encounters while Austin will seek their first win.
- Nashville 3-0 Austin 04/09/22
- Nashville 1-0 Austin 24/05/21
Home
- Austin 3-0 Salt Lake
- Seattle 3-0 Austin
- Nashville 3-0 Austin
- Austin 1-2 Portland
- Austin 4-1 Los Angeles
Away
- Nashville 1-1 LA Galaxy
- Nashville 3-0 Austin
- Nashville 4-1 Colorado
- Vancouver 0-3 Nashville
- Nashville 4-0 Dallas
Austin FC team news
Josh Wolff will be unable to call upon Freddy Kleemann who has been sidelined through injury.
Nashville SC team news
As for boss Gary Smith, Ake Arnaud Loba is set to miss out due to a muscle injury, while Walker Zimmerman got suspended against the Galaxy.
Prediction and odds
- Draw
- Goals over 2.5
- Double Chance 1 or 2
