Verdict: Nashville SC win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
Turning their attention back to US Open Cup duties, a high-flying Nashville will welcome DC United to Tennessee in the early hours of Thursday.
Nashville SC
Starting with the hosts, while Nashville might have spent the whole of last season scrapping it out at the foot of the Eastern Conference standings, the Coyotes have come roaring back in a remarkable fashion. Firmly cementing their spot as the MLS’ ultimate surprise package this time around, BJ Callaghan’s men have also shattered a string of long-standing records. Last seen putting in another rugged performance as they clinched a 1-0 victory at home against Philadelphia, the Tennessee-based outfit have rightfully continued to receive a string of public praise. With the mood around Geodis Park at a red-hot high, Nashville have won all of their previous four MLS appearances by an aggregate score of 7-2. Signing off June with another 1-0 win against Thursday’s guests, Callaghan’s high-flying squad should be smelling another golden opportunity here.
Nashville SC Team News
Shown a straight red card against Philadelphia last weekend, LA Galaxy loanee Jonathan Perez will miss out through suspension here. Yet to make a single appearance so far this season, former USA international Tyler Boyd remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.
Enjoying what has been a sensational free-scoring run this Eason and notching 16 goals in his 21 MLS appearances, ex-Nottingham Forest striker Sam Surridge will lead the line. Completing a permanent move from Elfsborg ahead of the 2025 campaign, Ahmed Qasem could be handed a full recall.
DC United
As for the visitors, although DC United might have got June underway with a much-welcomed 2-1 victory against Cincinnati, it appears that was just a minor boost for Troy Lesesne’s downbeat squad. Coming under a huge amount of scrutiny last month as they fell to an infamous 7-1 drumming at home against Chicago, the Eagles have also collected just a single point from any of their previous four MLS appearances. Likewise, the Washington-based outfit have registered just a sole win from any of their last 10 consecutive MLS outings – a rut that stems all the way back to May 4th. Last seen putting in another toothless display as they had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home against Atlanta, DC United have now failed to find the net in 300 minutes of action.
DC United Team News
Not featuring since the start of May, ex-Nashville defender Lukas MacNaughton remains on the sidelines with a muscle issue and will not feature against his former club. However, serving a one-match suspension against Atlanta last week, Brazilian youngster Gabriel Pirani will return to Lesesne’s squad.
Only returning from an injury issue a fortnight ago, one-time Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke should be handed a rest in midweek. Arriving from Toronto ahead of the 2025 campaign, 26-year-old Brandon Servania should keep his spot from the start.
Nashville SC vs DC United Key Factors to Consider
- When Nashville and DC United met for an MLS showdown on June 29th, the Coyotes collected a 1-0 victory at Audi Field.
- Nashville have won all of their previous four appearances by an aggregate score of 7-2.
- In fact, the Coyotes are unbeaten in all of their previous 14 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- DC United have recorded just a single win from any of their last 10 straight MLS appearances.
- The Eagles have failed to find the net in 300 minutes of action.
Conclusion
Embarking on what has been an astonishing purple patch, Nashville will simply be looking to extend on their remarkable flurry. Now winning all of their previous four appearances by an aggregate score of 7-2, Thursday’s hosts are also unbeaten in their last 14 straight outings across all fronts. Landing a 1-0 victory when they travelled to Audi Field on June 29th, the Coyotes will be smelling a golden opportunity here. Getting a DC United squad who have registered just a sole MLS win over the past couple of months, we are backing a home win in the early hours of Thursday.
Verdict: Nashville SC win
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
