Seattle Sounders 2023 MLS season preview: Tactics, predicted XI, predictions

The Seattle Sounders head into 2023 within the unfamiliar place of seeking to return to the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Brian Schmetzer’s facet completed means down in eleventh within the Western Conference, lacking out on the Playoffs for the primary time since turning into an MLS workforce in 2009.

However, it wasn’t all unhealthy for the Sounders, who had the privilege of turning into the first-ever MLS workforce to elevate the Concacaf Champions League in 2022. Even when issues received powerful, Seattle discovered a technique to elevate silverware.

So, this is the whole lot you have to learn about the Seattle Sounders forward of the brand new MLS season, together with techniques, key gamers, and predictions.

Transfers in

Transfers out

Brian Schmetzer returned to his tried and examined 4-2-3-1 formation final yr, utilizing Nico Lodeiro as his foremost outlet in possession, and pushing full-backs excessive to create possibilities from large areas and cut-backs contained in the field.

What harm Seattle probably the most final yr was accidents to numerous key gamers, with the likes of Raul Ruidiaz, Lodeiro, Joao Paulo, and Obed Vargas all taking place at varied factors all through the season.

If Schmetzer can maintain a wholesome group collectively, there isn’t any cause why Seattle cannot climb again into the higher echelons of the Western Conference. The signing of Heber as skilled cowl for Ruidiaz might show impressed.

Seattle Sounders predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Frei; A.Roldan, Yeimar, Arreaga, Nouhou; Rusnak, Joao Paulo; Roldan, Lodeiro, Morris; Ruidiaz.

Nico Lodeiro

For Lodeiro, no less than domestically, 2022 was one thing of a quiet yr. And but, the previous Ajax playmaker nonetheless managed seven targets and 7 assists in MLS play. What’s extra, he was the chief amongst Sounders gamers in numerous key metrics, together with possibilities created, passes into the ultimate third, and carries into the ultimate third to call however a couple of.

As talked about, even when Schmetzer is targeted on creating from large areas, it is Lodeiro who will get the ball there. When the Sounders try to harm groups centrally, it is him pulling the strings.

At 32 years outdated, it would be unreasonable to count on Lodeiro to match the bodily requirements he is managed over the previous few years however with the ball at his ft, there are few in MLS extra lethal. Seattle are gonna want him.

If everybody stays wholesome and kids like Danny Leyva and Josh Atencio can kick on, it is virtually inconceivable that the Sounders will not return to the Playoffs.

Quite the place they end within the West relies upon upon the run of video games gamers like Joao Paulo and Raul Ruidiaz can get going. But as soon as into the post-season, they’re going to be simply as sturdy as ever.

Never write off the Sounders.

Will the Seattle Sounders qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs? Yes