DC United are set to welcome Toronto FC to Audi Field this weekend in a match between two play-off hopefuls in the Eastern Conference. Just five points separate the two teams at present with DC United lagging in tenth position and Toronto sitting relatively comfortably in sixth place.
With the season nearing the halfway point, the match at Audi Field marks a significant moment for both teams with all early-season excuses out of the window. How are both teams shaping up ahead of the fixture? Check out our DC United vs Toronto FC preview and betting tips below.
How the bookies view it: DC backed for the win
DC United are being backed as favourites for the bookies, with home advantage deemed significant enough to give them the edge over a team five points above them in the league standings. DC United are priced at 7/10 to get the three points while Toronto FC are priced at 7/2. The draw is currently priced at 31/10.
Recent head-to-head: Nothing between them
Recent matches between DC United and Toronto FC have illustrated just how evenly matched these two Eastern Conference sides are. In the last five meetings, DC United have won twice, Toronto have won twice and there has been one draw.
The most recent clash between the two clubs came almost a year ago to the day in a match played at Toronto's BMO Field. On that occasion, the Canadian outfit came out on top 2-1 thanks to goals from Deandre Kerr and Kosi Thompson.
Players to watch: All eyes on Benteke
Christian Benteke is absolutely loving life in the US capital after quitting European football two years ago. The Belgian, who was once signed by Liverpool for £32.5m, is the joint-top scorer in the MLS this season, outscoring both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Benteke has 13 goals to his name already and will be difficult to keep out on Sunday.
As far as the away side are concerned, they will be banking on a big performance from Lorenzo Insigne. Like Benteke, Insigne had a good career in European football before making the move to the MLS in 2022 and he has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his tenure in Toronto. He recorded two assists the last time the two sides met.
Predicted lineups
DC United will be without several first-team players for this one for various reasons. Matti Peltola and Cristian Dajome are both suspended while the likes of Martin Rodriguez and Conner Antley are injured. Richie Laryea and Prince Owusu could return for the visitors but they are without Shane O'Neill and Brandon Servania.
DC United: Bono – Herrera, Tubbs, Bartlett, Jeahze – Stroud, Hopkins -, Klich, Pirani, Ku-DiPietro – Benteke
Toronto FC: Johnson – Rosted, Long, Gomis – Laryea, Longstaff, Coello, Marshall-Rutty – Osorio, Insigne – Bernardeschi
Anything else catch the eye?
Neither side are exactly in great form coming into the match and both have only won one of their last five MLS matches. Toronto's poor away form in general, however, leans us towards DC United to get the win here. Toronto are usually good in the first half of matches though (drawing or winning at HT in their last four games), so Toronto to be winning at half-time at 7/2 could be a fantastic value bet.
DC United, meanwhile, very rarely keep a clean sheet. They have conceded at least one goal in each of their last ten MLS matches so both teams to score at 4/7 also looks good.
This MLS match between DC United and Toronto FC will be played on and kick off at 00:30. Check below for our tipsters best DC United vs Toronto FC prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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