Lineup Predictions:
Anderson Julio should return to the starting lineup after spending a couple of weeks away, not due to injury, but to get his green card. He will help stretch Atlanta’s defense vertically with his speed. He may be the early MVP of the season for FC Dallas so far. Slot him in place of Leo Chu, despite Chu getting a goal last week.
Nolan Norris will start at left back again with Marco Farfan out after surgery for two months.
Lucho Acosta and Petar Musa are living up to their billing as offensive weapons. Their chemistry is growing, which is a big problem for every team they will face.
The only wild card is Kaick, a young defensive midfielder from Gremio who made his debut as a substitute last week. He is highly regarded. Could he get a start over Ramiro or Delgado? It’s unlikely, but it is possible. FC Dallas has definitely needed more for their midfield in the first few games in 2025, as they struggle to retain possession for stretches of the games.
Predictions:
For FC Dallas, unbeaten on the road, the consensus is that there are points to be had in Atlanta. Both teams have some similarities, coming off disappointing years, installing new coaches, and figuring out new rosters. The attacking potential for both rosters is unrealized, and at the same time, the defenses are a clear work in progress. So early in the season, could both of these teams be in the playoff picture coming the fall? Or could they be biding time for the summer transfer window for another player or two to raise their prospects?
FC Dallas’ tactics under new head coach Eric Quill have been a lot about vibes (a “dawg” mentality) and taking your chances. At home against Sporting Kansas City, for instance, they were out-possessed and out-shot. And yet, they won. On the road, that strategy has been really good, as they go in with an aggressive mentality, look to win the ball and counter, and then try to see out the game. Quill is vocal that he wants all three points, especially on the road.
In short, this could be a wide-open game for both teams.
On our podcast on Afterburn Soccer, two contributors predicted a draw, which would be great for FC Dallas, and the other predicted an outright win. A loss is just as possible though as FC Dallas is still figuring the best lineup and approach.
I think a fun draw is the best possibility, 2-2, as points are shared and both teams continue to sort out their future under new head coaches.