Pick Nashville in DC

Nashville are the best pick for the game in DC this weekend as the new Western Conference team fight for their place in the playoff places.

Who do Bettors Favor?

The leading sportsbooks (check out our top online sportsbook reviews here) have DC United priced as the slight favorites ahead of this match at odds of around +135. Nashville are rated as the outsider, while the draw is available at +260.

DC United v Nashville
DC United	+135	+135
Draw	+260	+260
Nashville	+200	+190

DC Searching for Form

DC's inability to make the playoffs for the second straight season put Hernan Losada under pressure from the start of the season, and after a string of four consecutive losses into April, the franchise decided to fire him.

Victories against Houston and New England in the spring, shortly after Losada's departure, suggested they were recovering, but they've only picked up one point in their last four games, losing to both New York teams and, most embarrassingly, losing 1-0 to the bottom-placed Chicago Fire last weekend.

In fact, their record of eight defeats in 14 games is the worst in the league, and despite interim coach Chad Ashton's best efforts, they are still searching for form.

Nashville Reliable in MLS

Nashville has established a reputation for being reliable in MLS, and they are in contention again this season, currently sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference and boasting a typically strong defensive record.

They've been far more productive at home than on the road, and although their 25-game unbeaten home streak came to an end with a 2-1 loss to Kansas, it is fair to say that they were unlucky not to get at least a point out of that game.

But they are not a one-dimensional team. So far they have won four games away from home this season, and their tenacity is demonstrated by the fact that they have not lost a game in which they have led in 2022.

MLS Team News

Andy Najar is expected to miss this game for DC United after returning from injury against Chicago, a game in which he received another yellow card, resulting in a suspension; however, Brendan Hines-Ike, who was suspended against Chicago, will be available for selection again here.

However, there are still concerns regarding the fitness of a number of crucial players. Adrien Perez has been out with a foot injury, while Moses Nyeman, Gaoussou Samake, and Chris Odoi-Atsem are all ailing and may not be considered for the starting lineup.

Nashville was without several players for the game against Kansas, but Randall Leal returned to the bench after recovering from an ankle ailment and might start here. Teal Bunbury, Handwalla Bwana, and Robert Castellanos are all still unavailable through injury.

In other team news, Nashville goalie Joe Willis will be looking for his 45th career clean sheet in this game, while Hany Mukhtar will be the major focus of the offense once again. Although he is tied for 14th in goals scored, the German presently leads MLS in both shot attempts and shots on target.

MLS Betting Pick

Although DC United are the favorites, and there's no denying that home advantage still matters in MLS, regardless of a team's performance, I still believe they are overrated based on what we've seen so far this season.

They have the ability to score goals, but their attacking play is hit-or-miss, and despite Ashton's emphasis on empowering players to express themselves, they remain vulnerable in most areas, which is exacerbated by their continuous injury issues.

They're also up against one of MLS's most tenacious squads. Nashville has been unfazed by the move to the Western Conference, which was necessitated by Charlotte's entry into the league and has continued to do what they do best: defend ferociously at all times.

They are still the best club in MLS when it comes to closing down space in their own penalty box, making it difficult for opponents to even obtain a shot at goal. This means that even teams in top form must be patient, while strugglers like DC United may find it hard to create anything at all.

But although Nashville's main soccer reputation has been that of a tough defensive squad, they have also demonstrated this season that, despite some line-up and formation adjustments, they can win games and generate enough opportunities to score goals when needed.

This game may not be fun to watch, given the visitors’ defensive emphasis and the home team’s wretched form, but I believe Nashville have the all-round game to grind out a win and they are the betting pick for Saturday.

Nashville To beat DC United

+200

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