Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas – MLS, October 7, 2020

Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas clash for the third Texas Derby of 2020 on Wednesday, October 7, with the two sides going head-to-head at BBVA Stadium.

Dallas remains unbeaten against their local rival this year having claimed four points from a possible six in this fixture. Will it be a case of third time lucky for the Dynamo? Or can the Toros retain the bragging rights?

This is set to be a thriller! Keep reading to see my Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas prediction and betting pick.

Despite Dallas’ superiority over Houston in recent games, 10bet seems to think the Dynamo has the upper hand this time around. However, the Orange has failed to win any of their previous six outings, while the Toros have only lost one of their last six.

When you couple the contrasting form of the two teams with Dallas’ recent record in this fixture, odds of 3.05 for the away win suddenly become very attractive.

I assess both sides’ chances below.

Following the MLS is Back Tournament, Houston returned the regular-season action in flying form. The Dynamo went on a five-game unbeaten run, with two victories over Sporting Kansas City and a win against Minnesota United coming in the space of a fortnight.

But it’s been all downhill since then.

Houston last tasted victory at the beginning of September. Six games later, and Tab Ramos’ men are still searching for their next win. Three draws and three defeats have seen the Orange drop to third-bottom in the Western Conference, with Vancouver Whitecaps and LA Galaxy just one point behind.

Despite enjoying 60% possession and registering 13 shots in their previous outing, the Dynamo was beaten 2-1 by Sporting KC. Needless to say, Ramos’ side must be more clinical.

On the flip side, a run of one defeat in six games has seen Dallas climb to sixth in the standings – five points ahead of Houston and six points shy of conference-leader Seattle Sounders.

The last Texas Derby kicked off a run of three straight wins for the Toros, with victories over Colorado Rapids and SKC following shortly after. Luchi Gonzalez’s men were beaten by Atlanta United at the end of September, but they have since bounced back with impressive draws against Orlando City and Columbus Crew.

Juts three teams have scored less goals than Dallas in the Western Conference this year, although it is important to remember that only high-flying Seattle has conceded on fewer occasions. The Toros have struggled in attack at times, but their solid defense has earned the team plenty of points this term.

It is difficult to ignore Dallas’ record in this fixture. The Toros haven’t tasted defeat in their previous three meetings with Houston, and the Dynamo has only managed to win one of the last 13 Texas Derbies!

Granted, these two sides have produced plenty of draws in recent years. But looking at how the teams are playing right now, there is no denying that Dallas should come out on top this time around.