The defending MLS Cup Champions Seattle Sounders look to take on the Houston Dynamo who, after a dismal 2016, look to rebound this season.

The Seattle Sounders have the tough job ahead of them in defending the MLS Cup Champions title, as their journey starts in Houston against the Dynamo. The Dynamo also have a very important season ahead of them. After finishing dead last in the Western Conference and not qualifying for the playoff for the third year in a row, Dynamo fans will be expecting something more.

This is the perfect statement game for both teams. A Houston win would show the rest of the league that the Dynamo mean business and will no longer be the punching bag of the Western Conference. A Sounders win will show the league that Seattle isn’t content with just one MLS Cup, and will be looking to defend their title. Either way, this is a huge game for both teams.

Houston Dynamo Projected Line-Up

Seattle Sounders Projected Line-Up

Houston should expect to have a full strength squad for opening day with new additions Elis, Quioto, Cabezas, Leonardo, Machado and DeLaGarza all expected to start. Though this team will probably take some time to gel together, they still should not be taken lightly.

The Seattle Sounders, on the other hand, look very similar to how they looked at the end of last season, with the addition of Clint Dempsey back in the line-up. The injury to right-back Brad Evans, though, should see Gustav Svensson get his first start in the Rave Green.

Prediction

The past five games between these two sides have seen four draws and one Sounders win. All five of these games were low scorelines, either 0-0 (1), 1-1 (3) or 1-0 (1). We should not expect this game to go any differently.

Where to Watch

Houston: KUBE 57-MLS LIVE

Seattle: Q13 FOX, MLS LIVE