SEAvHOU Starting XI: Strong lineup as Sounders kickoff postseason competition

Nouhou, Cissoko, and Lodeiro Start; Montero and Rusnak on Bench

The Seattle Sounders will take on the Houston Dynamo in the first leg of their Western Conference Semifinal on Sunday, October 23rd. The match will be played at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.

The Sounders are coming off a 2-1 victory over FC Dallas in the first round of the playoffs. The Dynamo advanced to the semifinals with a 3-2 win over the San Jose Earthquakes.

The Sounders will be without the services of midfielder Joao Paulo, who is suspended for the match. Midfielder Albert Rusnák is also listed as questionable with a hamstring injury.

Here is the Sounders' starting lineup for the match:

Stefan Frei (GK)
Alex Roldan (D)
Yeimar Gómez Andrade (D)
Nouhou Tolo (D)
Xavier Arreaga (D)
Gustav Svensson (M)
Cristian Roldan (M)
Nicolas Lodeiro (M)
Jordan Morris (F)
Raúl Ruidíaz (F)
Will Bruin (F)

The Sounders will be looking to get off to a good start in the series and take a lead into the second leg in Houston.

Key Matchups to Watch

Here are some of the key matchups to watch in the match:

Nouhou Tolo vs. Fafa Picault: Tolo is one of the best left backs in MLS, while Picault is a dangerous winger for the Dynamo. This matchup will be key in determining the outcome of the match.
Cristian Roldan vs. Matias Vera: Roldan is the engine of the Sounders' midfield, while Vera is a creative playmaker for the Dynamo. This matchup will be key in controlling the tempo of the match.
Raúl Ruidíaz vs. Tim Parker: Ruidíaz is the Sounders' leading scorer, while Parker is a solid center back for the Dynamo. This matchup will be key in determining who gets the upper hand in the attacking third.

The match is expected to be a close one, and the Sounders will need to be at their best to get a result.

Prediction

The Sounders are the favorites to win the match, but the Dynamo are a dangerous team and will be looking to pull off an upset. I predict the Sounders will win the match 2-1.