Charlotte FC are set to take on Philadelphia Union at the Bank of America Stadium in MLS action on Wednesday evening.
It is a match between two sides in the Eastern Conference, with the hosts sitting in 11th place before kickoff, while the visitors are up in fourth.
Match preview
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Charlotte have not had the best of seasons, having taken 32 points from 27 games up to this point, but they remain firmly in the mix for the playoffs, as they are just three points behind ninth-placed DC United, with two games in hand.
The main reason CLTFC have been unable to compete higher up the table is because they have drawn far too many matches so far this season, with eight of their last 10 MLS matches finishing all-square, including each of their last three.
To look at things more positively, Christian Lattanzio's side are difficult to beat, and they remain undefeated since the MLS season resumed, winning one and drawing three of their four games since reaching the quarter-final of the Leagues Cup.
Last time out, Charlotte were held to a point at home against DC United, in a match with very few clear-cut opportunities, but there are positives to take from their two prior matches, collecting draws against Nashville SC and second-placed Orlando City.
Having proven they can go toe-to-toe with some of the best sides in the Eastern Conference, CLTFC are now tasked with beating a Philadelphia Union side that have solidified their place in the playoffs.
Indeed, it has been a solid campaign for Philadelphia, having taken 47 points from 27 games, which means they are 11 points behind league-leaders FC Cincinnati, with a game in hand at their disposal.
As we approach the conclusion of the MLS season, the Union are in a very strong position to qualify for the playoffs, and they have put in some promising performances over the past few weeks, winning two, drawing one and losing one of their last four matches.
Jim Curtin's side looked very impressive in a 4-1 victory against New York Red Bulls at the beginning of September, and they managed to hold Cincinnati to a point at Subaru Park in their last match, but they will be disappointed to have surrendered a two-goal lead.
In the reverse fixture against Charlotte, Philadelphia Union ran out 1-0 winners at Subaru Park, but they suffered a heavy defeat on their only previous visit to the Bank of America Stadium, losing 4-0 back in October 2022.
Team News
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The only Charlotte player missing through injury is defender Hamady Diop, who has been a long-term absentee for the hosts, but Lattanzio otherwise has a fully-fit squad to choose from on Wednesday.
Enzo Copetti has now returned from an eight-game injury layoff, scoring on his return against Orlando City last month, and the 27-year-old is set to lead the line, with Karol Swiderski likely to support from attacking midfield in a 4-2-3-1 system.
As for Philadelphia Union, Leon Flach is still sidelined with injury, having played no part in the last two games, meaning Jose Martinez should keep his place in midfield in what could be a 3-4-1-2 formation.
Curtin will be forced into a change in defence, as Jack Elliott was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the last match, meaning Olivier Mbaizo could come into the starting lineup.
Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:
Kahlina; Byrne, Malanda, Privett, Uronen; Bronico, Westwood, Bender Ben, Swiderski, Dejaegere; Copetti
Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Blake; Mbaizo, Glesnes, Lowe; Harriel, Martinez, McGlynn, Wagner, Gazdag; Carranza, Uhre
We say: Charlotte FC 1-1 Philadelphia Union
Charlotte FC have drawn eight out of their last 10 MLS games, including each of their last three, and they managed to hold high-flying Orlando City to a point at home at the end of August.
Considering Philadelphia Union lost 3-1 against bottom-of-the-table Toronto FC in their last away match, it would not be a surprise if the spoils are shared on Wednesday night.
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Dominic Lund
