Nashville SC vs. Houston Dynamo FC Prediction, Match Preview, and Betting Tips, 28 September 2025

The clash between Nashville SC and Houston Dynamo FC at Geodis Park on 28 September promises to be pivotal as we approach the final rounds of Major League Soccer. Nashville, sitting 10th in the standings with 50 points, is eager to secure a crucial win to boost their playoff hopes. In contrast, Houston Dynamo, despite being 20th and with 36 points, still have pride to play for. Nashville’s recent form has been a mixed bag (WLLWL), and Coach B.J. Callaghan will be keen on a strong finish. Sam Surridge, Nashville’s key scorer with 21 goals, will be a vital factor. Houston Dynamo, under Ben Olsen’s guidance, have shown glimpses of potential (LWDLW) and will try to counter with Ezequiel Ponce, their top marksman. Both teams have demonstrated defensive vulnerabilities, making the recommended bet of both teams to score (yes) at 1.68 odds a plausible choice. Expect an entertaining fixture, with past encounters revealing both sides finding the net regularly.

Nashville SC vs Houston Dynamo FC Prediction & Betting tip

Best Bet Recommendation: Both Teams to Score (Yes) at 1.68 Odds

Reasoning:

• High Scoring Tendency: Both Nashville SC and Houston Dynamo FC have a high percentage of matches where both teams score—58% for Nashville and 61% for Houston. This indicates a strong likelihood of both teams finding the net.
• Recent Form: In their last five matches, Nashville SC has scored and conceded nine goals, while Houston Dynamo FC has scored and conceded seven goals. This suggests both teams are capable of scoring and are defensively vulnerable.
• Head-to-Head History: The recent meetings between these teams have been competitive, with both teams having the ability to score against each other.

Given these factors, betting on both teams to score is supported by statistical trends and current team dynamics.

Nashville SC vs Houston Dynamo FC Odds

When Nashville SC hosts Houston Dynamo FC at Geodis Park, the bookmakers have a clear favorite. As we inch closer to the final stages of Major League Soccer, this match could offer some intriguing opportunities for bettors.

Nashville SC, who are 10th in the standings with 50 points, sit as clear favorites at 1.64 to win. Houston Dynamo FC, lingering in 20th place with 36 points, are priced at 4.68 to pull off an upset. Meanwhile, a draw is set at odds of 3.99. Given the defensive vulnerabilities shown by both sides, combined with their recent forms, betting on both teams to score could be a sensible alternative.

Nashville SC Team Analysis

Nashville SC Recent Performance

Recent Form: WLLWL

Nashville SC has had a mixed bag of results in their last five outings. They recorded a notable 3-1 victory against Philadelphia Union in the US Open Cup but have struggled for consistency in the league. Conceding goals has been an issue, with no clean sheets in their last five games and an average of 2.20 goals scored per match.

Their defensive vulnerabilities have been highlighted by conceding late goals, particularly in the 76-90 minute interval, which could be a concern against a Houston side that has shown scoring prowess. However, with key players like Sam Surridge, the team’s top scorer with 21 goals, and Hany Mukhtar, Nashville still poses a significant attacking threat. With 50 points on the board and a 10th place standing, Coach B.J. Callaghan will be keen to shore up the defense while maintaining their offensive firepower to secure a much-needed win.

Nashville SC Key Players

Nashville SC will be relying heavily on their top scorer Sam Surridge, who has netted 21 goals this season, to lead the charge against Houston Dynamo FC. Paired with Hany Mukhtar, who adds flair and creativity to the attack, Nashville’s forward line looks formidable on paper.

Edvard Tagseth and Patrick Yazbek are expected to control the midfield, providing stability and linking up play between defense and attack. Gaston Brugman, another key midfielder, will likely play a crucial role in breaking up Houston’s build-up play and initiating counter-attacks.

Defensively, Daniel Lovitz and Jeisson Palacios will need to be at their best to handle Houston’s attacking threats. Given Nashville’s defensive lapses, the backline must stay solid throughout the match.

Expected lineup for Nashville SC:

• Goalkeeper: Joe Willis
• Defenders: Andy Najar, Jeisson Palacios, Jack Maher, Daniel Lovitz
• Midfielders: Edvard Tagseth, Patrick Yazbek, Gaston Brugman
• Forwards: Alex Muyl, Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar

This combination of experienced and key performers will be eager to secure a crucial win at Geodis Park.

Nashville SC Suspensions & Injuries

Nashville SC faces a string of injuries that could significantly impact their performance against Houston Dynamo FC. Notable absentees include:

• Taylor Washington (Knee injury – Potential return Mid October 2025)
• Julian Gaines (Thigh injury – Potential return Early October 2025)
• Wyatt Meyer (Foot injury – Potential return Early October 2025)
• Jonathan Perez (Thigh injury – Potential return Mid October 2025)
• Walker Zimmerman (Knee injury – Potential return Early November 2025)
• Ahmed Qasem (Ankle injury – Potential return Late October 2025)

These injuries, particularly to key defenders like Walker Zimmerman, could leave Nashville vulnerable at the back. Coach B.J. Callaghan will need to adjust his tactics accordingly, likely relying on depth players to fill these crucial gaps. Given these defensive setbacks, it isn’t surprising that Nashville has struggled to keep clean sheets in their recent outings. This could further make the case for our recommended bet on both teams to score, given the weakened backline they’ll field.

Nashville SC Tactics and Formation

Nashville SC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Sam Surridge
• Midfield Trio: Edvard Tagseth, Patrick Yazbek, Gaston Brugman
• Defensive Concern: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Offensive surge often noticed in the final 15 minutes

Nashville SC will line up in their preferred 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing an aggressive, attack-oriented style. Up front, the focus will be on Sam Surridge, who leads the team’s scoring charts with 21 goals. His partnership with Hany Mukhtar and Alex Muyl provides Nashville with a potent attacking trio, expected to cause significant problems for Houston’s defense. In the midfield, Tagseth, Yazbek, and Brugman will aim to dominate possession and link seamlessly between the defense and the forwards. However, given their recent defensive lapses, conceding goals particularly in the closing stages of matches, Coach B.J. Callaghan will need to reinforce defensive solidity, especially during the critical ending minutes. Despite these vulnerabilities, their offensive capabilities make them a formidable team, likely to push for goals right from the start.

Houston Dynamo FC Team Analysis

Houston Dynamo FC Recent Performance

Recent Form: LWDLW

Houston Dynamo FC has shown some resilience in their last five matches. They secured a 1-0 win over Portland Timbers and a thrilling 3-2 victory against St. Louis City. However, inconsistency remains a concern, with losses to Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes, and a draw against LA Galaxy. Despite being in 20th position, Houston averages 1.40 goals per game and has managed to keep one clean sheet in their last five matches. The coaching of Ben Olsen will be crucial as they head into this fixture, needing to tighten their defense to improve their chances. Given their ability to score in 84% of their matches this season, Houston is a team that can surprise opponents, particularly against a Nashville side grappling with defensive issues.

Houston Dynamo FC Key Players

Houston Dynamo FC will be counting on their key players to step up in this crucial match against Nashville SC. Leading the attack is Ezequiel Ponce, their top scorer with 10 goals this season, whose clinical finishing will be pivotal. Accompanying him in the forward line are Ondrej Lingr and Lawrence Ennali, expected to challenge Nashville’s defense consistently.

In midfield, Junior Urso and Jack McGlynn are set to orchestrate Houston’s play, providing both defensive cover and creative spark. The return of Artur to full fitness bolsters their central midfield with additional defensive robustness. Defensively, Erik Sviatchenko and Felipe Andrade will aim to thwart Nashville’s potent attacking threats. Griffin Dorsey, operating from the right-back position, will be expected to contribute both defensively and offensively, making him a key player to watch on both ends of the pitch.

Expected lineup for Houston Dynamo FC:

• Goalkeeper: Jonathan Bond
• Defenders: Griffin Dorsey, Erik Sviatchenko, Femi Awodesu, Felipe Andrade
• Midfielders: Jack McGlynn, Artur, Brooklyn Raines
• Forwards: Ondrej Lingr, Ezequiel Ponce, Lawrence Ennali

This blend of key performers will be crucial for Houston as they look to upset the odds at Geodis Park.

Houston Dynamo FC Suspensions & Injuries

Houston Dynamo FC will be contending with a few notable absences as they head into their match against Nashville SC. The suspensions and injuries are as follows:

• Pablo Ortiz (Yellow cards – Banned matches left 1)
• Andrew Tarbell (Cruciate ligament injury – Potential return Late November 2025)
• Franco Escobar (Illness – Potential return About a week)
• Ethan Bartlow (Head injury – Potential return Early October 2025)
• Nelson Quinones (Muscle injury – Potential return Early October 2025)
• Antonio Carlos (Muscle injury – Potential return Mid October 2025)

The suspension of Pablo Ortiz, a key defensive figure, will be a major concern for Coach Ben Olsen. His absence could destabilize their backline, an area where Houston has already shown vulnerabilities. The injury to Franco Escobar also poses an issue, though his expected return within a week provides some optimism. Overall, these absences could impact their ability to maintain defensive solidity, increasing the likelihood of a high-scoring encounter.

Houston Dynamo FC Tactics and Formation

Houston Dynamo FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Ezequiel Ponce
• Midfield Trio: Jack McGlynn, Artur, Brooklyn Raines
• Defensive Concern: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick counter-attacks

Houston Dynamo FC will likely employ a 4-3-3 formation under Ben Olsen’s guidance. Ezequiel Ponce, their top scorer with 10 goals, is expected to lead the line, flanked by the dynamic Ondrej Lingr and Lawrence Ennali. This trio will aim to exploit Nashville’s defensive vulnerabilities.

In midfield, the combination of Jack McGlynn, Artur, and Brooklyn Raines will be pivotal. Artur’s defensive presence and McGlynn’s creative vision will be crucial in transitioning from defense to attack. With defensive fragility being a concern, particularly with Pablo Ortiz suspended, Houston will need a disciplined backline helmed by Erik Sviatchenko and Felipe Andrade. Given their propensity to score and their struggles to keep clean sheets, expect Houston to employ high pressing and quick counter-attacking strategies.

Nashville SC vs Houston Dynamo FC Head-to-Head Statistics

The head-to-head encounters between Nashville SC and Houston Dynamo FC have been closely contested, often featuring goals from both sides. Here’s a look at their last five meetings:

• Nashville SC 1 – 2 Houston Dynamo FC (03 Oct 2022) – Major League Soccer
• Houston Dynamo FC 2 – 0 Nashville SC (15 May 2022) – Major League Soccer
• Houston Dynamo FC 1 – 3 Nashville SC (15 Oct 2020) – Major League Soccer
• Nashville SC 1 – 1 Houston Dynamo FC (26 Sep 2020) – Major League Soccer

Key Takeaways:

• Goals Galore: Both teams have found the net in four out of five encounters, indicating a trend of high-scoring games.
• Houston’s Slight Edge: While Houston has won two and drawn one of their last five matchups, Nashville managed a significant win in 2020.
• Competitive Outlook: The tightly contested scores suggest this match-up often brings out competitive performances from both sides.

Given these statistics, expect a lively fixture this 28 September, potentially with both teams finding the back of the net.

Odds accurate as of 26.09.2025 01:34, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.