Nick Borrman

THE PLAY: Houston Dynamo +0.5 (-125)

MLS

(209825) Houston Dynamo at (209826) Atlanta United

Atlanta looks like they might be in a world of trouble over the next couple of weeks due to this summer’s international window as they have six high profile absences.  First, their backline is fully depleted as all three starters with the most minutes are gone.  Luis Abram, Noah Cobb and Caleb Wiley are all away for their respective countries and their tally of 38 matches and 2,970 minutes played will be sorely missed.  The combined numbers for the rest of their defensive options includes a total of 25 matches and 1,620 minutes.  Those are big voids to fill.

Additionally, starting midfielders Thiago Almada and Bartosz Slisz, along with the team’s leading goal contributor (eight goals + assists) and starter of every match, Saba Lobjanidze, are all away as well.  This will be a completely new-look team this weekend.

Compare that to Houston who is missing only one key player in Coco Carrasquilla and its clear which team should be gelled better on the field.

Aside from absences, Atlanta is in terrible form with just one win over their last 11 matches.  They have always thrived in Mercedes-Benz Stadium and they opened the season 3-0 with a 9:1 goal differential, however, since then, they are winless in their last six home matches including five straight losses, conceding at least two goals in five of those six.

Houston is far from a strong team, especially away from home with only three wins in ten matches, but considering their defense has been solid, as they have not allowed more than two goals in any match this season, they should be able to contain a hobbled Atlanta side.  

At the same time, Atlanta’s backline which have not all shared the field together at the same time this season, can’t be expected to keep a clean sheet and one goal may be all Houston needs to cash this bet.

TAKE HOUSTON +0.5 (Double Chance) -125

Line Parameter: 3% to -140 or +0.25