Colorado Rapids vs Seattle Sounders Prediction: Seattle will fight for 3 points

The coming MLS game between Colorado Rapids and Seattle Sounders on 6th October, 2024, is one of the very important games between two teams standing in the Western Conference. Rapids are in 6th position and need to gain some confidence from this fixture against LA Galaxy's dismal defeat, while Seattle Sounders are on a five-game unbeaten run, seated at 3rd in the standings. With both teams contending for solid playoff spots, this game promises to be one of high stakes and some tactical intrigue.

Colorado Rapids have been pretty erratic in the past few weeks as they have won just two matches and lost three in the last five games. Their defensive problems were fully exposed in their last game, which they lost 3-1 at home against LA Galaxy.

While both teams use a 4-2-3-1 formation, the system they use is quite different. Rapids are often quite weak defensively, with a lower possession percentage-high of 43% against Galaxy-and often rely on long balls-52%-in order to break up the opponents. Undeniably, an inability to create big chances in recent games has been an important worry for them, and their lack of creativeness upfront places additional pressure on their defense.

Meanwhile, Seattle were in great form as they gathered four wins and a single draw in the last five games, including a 3-0 impressive away win against Vancouver. Interestingly, both teams have been inconsistent throughout the season; Seattle have been much more solid at both ends of the pitch, while Rapids have looked all over the place, especially in defense.

Seattle Sounders are built on the notions of possession with pressure higher up the pitch. The fact that Seattle managed to dominate with 59% possession and created four big chances against Vancouver means they can dominate games, especially with their attacking midfield trio. They have a strength in duels, with 55% won, and are also solid in defense, with a 67% success rate in defensive tackles. Their high press and quick transition should be of concern to a Rapids side which does not feel particularly comfortable when defending against teams with dynamic attacking play.

In their last 20 meetings, Seattle has dominated with 11 wins to Rapids' 5, with 4 matches ending in a draw. Seattle is unbeaten in their last 4 engagements with Rapids, which includes a 1-1 draw at the start of the season. Colorado Rapids have also struggled to keep clean sheets against Seattle, conceding in each of the last four meetings. In the last seven matches between the two teams, five of them have seen both sides score, showing just how much of an attacking threat both sides pose against one another.

Looking at form, Seattle goes into the match as the better of the two teams. Their unbeaten run and consistent ability to dictate games should make them favorites against a Rapids team that has been poor at the back this season. A Rapids defense which has continued to struggle this season and was breached three times in their last game against LA Galaxy are likely to cave under Seattle's fluid movement in front of goal. In that sense, the fact that Rapids also failed to carve out any clear-cut opportunities in their last outing does raise serious questions about their ability to break down a well-organized Seattle defense.

Seattle, with their high pressing and discipline regarding tactics, look most likely to dominate the tempo of the game. They have been good both in maintaining possession and in their defensive organization, managing to keep a clean sheet against Vancouver. The Rapids' best chances will come from catching Seattle on the counter-attack or through set-pieces, although given how well Seattle compete in duels and defend their box, it may well not be enough to garner a positive result.

• 3 Way Total Away Over 1 Goal @ 2.375 Odds
• Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.71 Odds
• GG (yes) @ 1.61 Odds