Preview: Houston Dynamo vs. Vancouver Whitecaps - prediction, team news, lineups

Houston Dynamo are just one place away from the bottom of the league, and with Austin having two games in hand on them, the need for three points is high on Thursday.

Vancouver Whitecaps have been having a much stronger campaign and they sit just outside of the playoffs, with a victory potentially putting them into that spot.

Match preview

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Houston Dynamo struggled last season, finishing bottom of the league, and once again the team are down near the foot of the table, with only Austin below them.

Having won just five games in the MLS Western Conference, there has not been much for the fans to shout about, but they have also drawn more matches than any other team in the division.

The club will be desperate to improve upon what they did last year, therefore the final run-in for this season is an important one.

They are currently 10 points away from a playoff position, and to secure one the Orange Crush would need to put together a very strong run of form.

That is something that Houston have been trying to do, as Tab Ramos has seen his team drastically improve as of late, only losing one of their last four outings.

The defeat came on Sunday against Minnesota United when Houston were rocked by a goal in the first minute of the game, which is something they never recovered from as they were beaten 2-0.

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However, prior to that Houston picked up important victories against the two teams closest to them in the league, Austin and Dallas, which has put them in a stronger position than before.

Vancouver Whitecaps have had a better season so far, and considering the fact they have a game in hand on many of the teams above them, the Canadian outfit will have the belief that they can take a playoff spot.

The team have undergone some big changes throughout the season, most notably with Vanni Sartini becoming the manager at the end of August, and so far he has done a good job with the squad.

He has only lost once as manager, and Vancouver responded well to that with a draw and a victory quickly getting them back on track for the rest of the campaign.

They were able to defeat Dallas on Sunday, earning a clean sheet in the process with Brian White's goal being enough to get the three points for his team.

However, the Caps have been unable to beat their opponents on Thursday during their two encounters already this season, with Houston having taken four points from them.

Vancouver have also struggled away from home in the league, having only won once on their travels, which came against the bottom of the league, Austin FC.

Team News

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Sartini is likely to be without the services of Caio Alexandre on Thursday due to him having a foot injury, while Cristian Gutierrez has also been dealing with a quadricep issue.

White and Lucas Cavallini will keep being positive threats for the team, though, and they shall look to cause problems for their opponents on Thursday.

Ramos had to go without left-back Adam Lundqvist on Sunday as he was unable to recover from the injury that saw him come off in the first half against Dallas in their previous match.

Instead, it was Sam Junqua who stepped in at full-back, and he is likely to retain his place in the starting XI against the Caps.

Fafa Picault will be aiming to continue providing an attacking option for Houston - having scored 10 goals already this season, he has been a vital part of their performances.

Houston Dynamo possible starting lineup:
Nelson; Junqua, Hadebe, Parker, Valentin; Vera, Ceren; Dorsey, Picault, Quintero; Urruti

Vancouver Whitecaps possible starting lineup:
Crepeau; Veselinovic, Rose, Nerwinski; Gaspar, Teibert, Owusu, Dajome, Gauld; White, Cavillini

We say: Houston Dynamo 1-2 Vancouver Whitecaps

Despite the fact that Vancouver Whitecaps have struggled when they have been on the road this season, Thursday could provide them with a great opportunity to get their second victory away from home.

With the momentum of a new manager behind them and a genuine opportunity to take a playoff place, this is not the type of match they can afford to slip up in.