Charlotte
- Two managers are still looking to set their stamps on their teams ahead of Sunday’s MLS 2026 clash of Charlotte and Austin FC.
- Dean Smith has instilled a vertical, direct attacking style on his new charges with a disciplined foundation, while Nico Estevez prefers a compact, shape-driven approach with his side preferring to defend deep and spring forward on the counter-attack.
- Charlotte’s style is more suited to the North American game with their full-backs overlapping and central players making runs forward, but the early results suggest they are still a work in progress.
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Recent stats:
- 24th in MLS 2026 with one point from two games.
- Lost back-to-back away games.
Austin FC
- Austin FC have lost their last 2 away MLS 2026 games, so the travel struggles haven’t gone away, but they have made a much more solid start to the season and got the win that mattered most in their last game - a 1-0 home win over D.C. United.
- A tweak in formation and personnel has helped Estevez get his team to make a more cohesive start and they should be favored for this game at 3.68, especially as Charlotte have lost their opening 2 games on the road.
- Austin sit eighth with four points from two games.
Head-to-Head
A draw was a fair result when these sides last met in MLS 2024 , but Austin FC can edge it this time.
Key Players
- Facundo Torres is Austin’s most creative force and has one assist in MLS 2026.
- Pep Biel is Charlotte’s biggest goal threat with one goal in two MLS 2026 appearances.
- Wilfried Zaha arrival has given Charlotte a boost and he has one assist in two MLS 2026 games.
Betting Insights
- Over 2.5 goals is priced at 1.9 for this MLS 2026 clash.
- Both Teams to Score - No is available at 2.06 and looks an intriguing wager as Austin are very compact in defence and should frustrate Charlotte.
- Austin FC are being touted as favorites in form and structure despite recent travel losses.
Prediction
The visitors appear to be off to a much better start and should be able to edge out a win in Carolina .
