Peter Luccin has likened coaching to a “new surroundings” as FC Dallas’ break from motion has given an opportunity for injured gamers to return forward of their conflict with D.C. United.
Dallas fell to a disappointing group stage exit within the Leagues Cup nevertheless it might be a blessing in disguise for interim coach Luccin because it has allowed relaxation for an injury-hit squad.
Jesus Ferreira, Asier Illarramendi and Alan Vesco have all returned to motion through the break.
Luccin feels these comebacks have sparked a change in perspective amongst his squad on the coaching floor.
“To have all of these gamers again is essential for us. That observe surroundings is nice as a result of everyone is pushing extra, everyone desires to play,” he mentioned. “All that new surroundings for us is gorgeous. It’s excellent.”
Dallas’ renewed impetus will even be aided by two new arrivals, right-back Ruan and midfielder Manuel Cafumana, who be a part of Luccin’s roster.
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— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) August 22, 2024
Either side stay inside attain of the play-off positions of their respective leagues however Dallas must overturn pre-season type to earn all three factors.
United claimed victory in a pleasant in February, however Luccin is unfazed by their previous encounter.
“A preseason recreation is completely totally different. You recognize the depth isn’t the identical. Everyone seems to be coming and taking part in with heavier legs and there are not any followers within the stadium,” insisted Luccin.
“We didn’t even discuss that recreation. I’m extra involved about what they did of their final three or 4 video games.”
The Black-and-Purple fared little higher than Dallas within the Leagues Cup, dropping within the spherical of 32 to Mazatlan. Previous to that, that they had simply secured their first two wins after going winless for eleven video games.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
DC United – Christian Benteke
The Belgian striker is United’s prime scorer this season with 16 objectives to his title, 13 greater than any of his team-mates.
He has scored seven headed objectives this season, tied with Cristian Arango for essentially the most in MLS in 2024.
Dallas – Petar Musa
Petar Musa has scored in every of his final 4 MLS appearances. The one FC Dallas participant to attain in 5 straight league matches in a single common season since 2010 was Paul Arriola in 2022.
MATCH PREDICTION: DC UNITED WIN
Dallas are winless in 12 regular-season away matches in 2024 (D4 L8), the longest run with out a win on the street within the membership’s historical past. Together with St. Louis Metropolis SC, they’re one among two groups with out an away win this common season.
In distinction to Dallas’ poor type, D.C. United recorded their first set of consecutive wins in a single common season since a three-match successful run in April 2023 with their two current wins. D.C. had received solely two of their earlier 17 regular-season matches earlier than that.
This will likely be United’s first dwelling match towards FC Dallas since October 2018. D.C. received the final assembly between the perimeters, 1-0, in Dallas in 2023 however haven’t received consecutive regular-season matches towards Dallas since 1999—2000 (three straight).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
DC United – 38.7%
Draw – 26.5%
Dallas – 34.7%
