What an appetizing matchup folks--Apologies, I mean, oh boy do we have a soccer treat for you today: Nashville SC against DC United.
Nashville has to hit the field with considerable confidence, their goalie Joe Willis sporting a slightly superior rating at 6.95 as opposed to DC’s Alex Bono at 6.80. Willis doesn't save as many as Bono, but some say quality beats quantity.
In terms of offense, DC’s got Christian Benteke, who's been having a raging hot season, sporting a 7.57 avg rating and 4 goals to his name. Then there's Mateusz Klich who, despite no goals, boasts an impressive 81.7% accurate pass rate. That should get DC United at least one Operation Dumbo Drop-like parachute delivery in the goal.
On the Nashville side of the fence, they've got Sam Surridge who seems to have his boots lined with rocket fuel, netting 3 goals this season already. Alongside him, Hany Mukhtar certainly has proven his worth, pulling off a 7.42 avg rating with a commendable pass accuracy of 83.5%.
Now, the historian in me can't forget the last three showdowns between these two. It has been a bit of a mixed bag, with Nashville SC winning, losing, and drawing once each. Nashville seems to like the number 2 though, notching it as their score in two of three games.
Looking at the season stats, however, we get into a little paradox. Both teams share an equal bunch of victories with 8 a piece. Both have more draws and losses than wins. It's like looking into a sad, mirrored reality.
The recent matches paint almost a Jackson Pollock-esque picture of inconsistency. DC United’s latest games has them sitting on an alternating loss-win temperature, while Nashville SC are akin to a moody teenager — a few big wins, but some heartbreaking losses and draws.
In true sports commentator fashion, making a prediction is a delicate art, nearly as difficult as choosing a paint color for your living room. Given the aggressive striking from Nashville, particularly Surridge and Mukhtar, coupled with Willis’ steadfast presence in goal and the slight hint of favorable odds. I'd say today will see Nashville ahead of DC United.
Albert’s Prediction: Nashville SC by 1