FC Dallas vs Colorado Rapids Prediction: Expect goals at both ends

This game between FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids comes at a vital time for both teams since they jostle for better standings in the Western Conference. Both teams have been inconsistent this season, but there are higher stakes with the playoffs looming large. FC Dallas is fresh from their 4-3 away win against DC United, which is one sure way to boost their confidence. Meanwhile, Colorado Rapids fought and held Philadelphia Union to a 2-2 draw in the Leagues Cup.

FC Dallas has shown flashes of brilliance this season but remains inconsistent. Their recent form, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in the last five games, puts good context into how unpredictable they can be. The highly entertaining 4-3 win against DC United showed just how capable they are on offense, yet also how fragile on the back end. Dallas hasn't managed to keep a clean sheet in any game in the last seven. This defensive frailty could be a huge concern against a Colorado side that has managed to find their way past them in recent meetings. FC Dallas is likely to continue with their attacking method, which, while bringing them goals, has also exposed them at the back. Their recent games also show that they tend to be involved in high-scoring games, especially with the defensive lapses they have suffered.

Colorado Rapids, much like FC Dallas, come with a mixed bag of recent results, having had 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in their last 5 fixtures. A 2-2 draw with Philadelphia Union does show that at least the fighting spirit is within them. The Rapids have been more solid at the back than Dallas in recent games, but they have also leaked goals in their last three matches, showing they are not infallible at the back. This will be the fourth of the unbeaten sequence of matches for Colorado against Dallas, which has therefore given them positive headway into this match.

This could perhaps mean that Colorado Rapids might try to exploit this weakness by staying compact, thus trapping Dallas into hitting them on the counter-attack, a strategy that works well in their recent meetings.

Head-to-head records of these teams show that Colorado Rapids have recently taken the lead by being unbeaten in their last four meetings. In their most recent encounter, Colorado had the lion's share, making away with a 2-1 win. The historical series is fairly equilibrated: out of 20, there were 8 victories for Colorado, 6 for Dallas, and the remaining 6 finishes with a draw. Interestingly, either of the teams has been poor at the back of their defense as Dallas has conceded in its last seven matches, and Colorado conceded in the last three. Moreover, in four out of the last five h2h games, both teams scored, and that infers this as another high-scoring affair.

Given the current trend and the historical comparison of the two teams, this is likely to be an evenly contested match. However, the unbeaten streak by Colorado Rapids against FC Dallas and the defensive problems of Dallas make the Rapids slight favorites to at least earn a point from this game.

This one looks like a score draw, with perhaps both teams just continuing in their current vein of scoring and conceding goals. Colorado Rapids might just come out with a win, but FC Dallas' home advantage along with their attacking nature might see them snatch a draw in this high-octane match.

• Over 2.5 Goals at 1.63 Odds
• Draw at 3.60 Odds
• Correct Score 2-2 at 12.00 Odds