Two of the newest franchises in the MLS square off as Nashville host Austin in a non-conference clash at Nissan Stadium. Both teams have made identical starts to the season and look set to cancel each other out.
Nashville are coming off a 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake in their previous MLS fixture. It was another solid defensive display from Nashville as they ensured Salt Lake had no attempts on target.
While remaining one of the unbeaten teams in the Eastern Conference, Nashville have claimed just one win all season. They have been plagued by too many draws this term with four stalemates in their opening five matches.
The goals have not flowed freely for Nashville this season but manager Gary Smith appears to have found a satisfactory balance. They have looked tighter at the back in recent weeks and head into Monday’s match with three straight clean sheets.
Austin travel to Nissan Stadium off the back of a 2-0 defeat at LA Galaxy last time out in the MLS. They had more of the possession and created some encouraging chances but failed to truly trouble the Galaxy backline.
A 2-1 defeat to Sporting Kansas in their previous fixture saw Austin have suffer back-to-back defeats for the first time this season. However, with their matches still being played on the road, manager Josh Wolff will be reasonably pleased with his team’s first season in the MLS.
Austin have claimed two wins this season, both coming at established Western Conference franchises Colorado Rapids and Minnesota United. However, their goals appear to be slowly drying up since the 3-1 victory against Colorado, culminating in the shutout at Galaxy last time out.
How the bookies view it
Nashville are considered favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 4/5 by Sporting Index. A victory for Austin is valued 41/10 by Vbet while bet365 is offering 13/5 for a draw.
Both teams appear evenly matched at the moment and should battle to a draw here.
Head to head
This will be the first ever meeting between Nashville and Austin.
Players to watch
Nashville have looked solid in defence in recent weeks with Justen Glad and Erik Holt impressing at centre back. They have kept clean sheets in their last three matches and could be backed for a repeat at 13/10 with Sporting Index.
Matt Besler and Jhohan Romaña often partner in central defence for Austin, although they have led the team to just one clean sheet this season. With Nashville looking unconvincing in attack lately, they will be hopeful of another clean sheet at 7/2 with Sporting Index.
Anything else catch the eye?
With both teams struggling in attack in recent weeks, under 2.5 goals could be considered at 4/5 with William Hill. It might also be worth a punt backing only one team to score at 5/4 with Sporting Index, who are also offering 8/1 on neither team to score.
There are unlikely to be goals in both halves at evens with William Hill while a halftime draw could also be on the cards at 6/5 with bet365.
This MLS match between Nashville and Austin FC will be played on May 24, 2021 and kick off at 02:00. Check below for our tipsters best Nashville vs Austin FC prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
