Houston Dynamo take on FC Dallas on Sunday with both teams still looking to secure their place in the playoffs with four games to go in the Western Conference regular season. Houston are in a a more commanding position as they sit in fourth place, however, Dallas are in ninth and could drop out of the playoff spots with a loss here. The match is set to kick off at 01:30 am UK time and will take place at the Shell Energy Stadium.
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Houston Dynamo vs FC Dallas H2H Record
Since 2006, Houston Dynamo have played FC Dallas on 56 occasions. The clashes between the two sides are typically close affairs which is reflected by the overall head-to-head record, which narrowly favours FC Dallas.
- Houston Dynamo wins: 17
- Draws: 18
- FC Dallas wins: 21
In recent years, FC Dallas have improved on their record against Houston Dynamo and have only lost one of their previous five games against Houston. This has given Dallas fans the bragging rights in Texas, however, it didn't start off that way. In the first-ever match between the two sides in 2006, Houston ran out as 4-3 winners in what remains to this day one of the most exciting matches in MLS history.
Last time out
The last time Houston and Dallas faced off was back in May when the Western Conference was beginning to take shape after the opening three months of the season. The match was a tight, and slightly boring affair that ended up finishing 1-1. Dallas took the lead courtesy of a Jader Obrian goal before Houston equalised in the 85th minute via Icelandic striker, Thor Ulfarsson.
Houston Dynamo vs FC Dallas H2H: Potential MVP
One player who will have mixed feelings coming into this match will be Dallas' right winger, Jader Obrian. The exciting Colombian has only played MLS football since 2021 but has already built a reputation of being a thorn in the Houston side.
Obrian has scored four goals in five appearances against Dynamo – two more than he has managed to score against any other club in his career. Last time out against Houston, he opened proceedings with a poacher's finish after a header was parried into his path from goalkeeper, Steve Clark.
His previous three goals against Houston came via a double in September 2021 and another in his first-ever Texan derby in May 2021. Despite his impressive goalscoring record against Houston, he is yet to taste victory against Dallas' great rivals.
Obrian is nailed on to start this fixture on the right wing and has been in good form this season. Considering the importance of the fixture, he would likely swap the opportunity to add more goals to his record against Houston for an invaluable three points.
🗣️ @FCDallas strikes first against Houston.
Jáder Obrian cleans it up off the set piece. pic.twitter.com/9zZjsY1sBV
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 21, 2023
Houston Dynamo: Players in focus
Hector Herrera – Assist king
Hector Herrera is someone Dallas are going to need to keep a close eye on. The Mexican playmaker has 14 MLS assists to his name this season – only Atlanata's Almada has more.
Steve Clark – Get past him if you can
Steve Clark is a seasoned veteran in the MLS but only joined Houston last year. The 37-year-old is enjoying a fine season and no one has more clean sheets than him in the league.
Corey Baird – End the drought?
Corey Baird is a streaky striker but unfortunately for him and Houston, he is currently on a three-match goalless streak. What he would do to end that drought in the Texas derby.
FC Dallas: Players in focus
Jesús Ferreira – Goalscoring machine
Jesus Ferreira had a sensational start to the season and despite the goals drying up of late, he still has 12 MLS goals to his name this season. If Dallas are to win, then he will surely have a part to play.
Jader Obrian – Houston's bogeyman
As already mentioned, Jader Obrian seems to enjoy playing against the Houston defence. He has four goals in five appearances against the Dynamo and will be looking to add to that here.
Nkosi Tafari – A rock at the back
Nkosi Tafari has proven to be one of the best centre-backs in the US this season and the 6ft 4 defender will certainly be playing against Houston. Could a national team call-up be next?
Final prediction
The recent record between the two sides favours FC Dallas and they are enjoying a slightly better season than their opponents as things stand. Despite that, Houston Dynamo are formidable at home and need the victory more than Dallas which should work in their favour.
We're going for a narrow 2-1 victory for Houston with Obrian netting a consolation for Dallas.
