Charlotte FC welcome DC United to the Bank of America Stadium in MLS on Saturday in an important game for both sides.
The two are well in the mix for the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, with very little to split the sides heading into the remaining few weeks of the regular season.
Match preview
© Reuters
Despite being two places behind their upcoming opponents, who currently occupy the final playoff spot, Charlotte are the side who look most likely to make a move into the top nine.
None of the sides battling for a preliminary round place in the playoffs is in any sort of form, but Charlotte's results at home could prove crucial.
After losing their first two home games of the campaign, Charlotte have since only lost once in their last 16 here.
They are three points behind DC United currently, so a win here would move them level on points while still having two games in hand on Wayne Rooney's side.
© Reuters
Christian Lattanzio's men have been efficient at picking up points, but they must ensure they get more wins on the board in the final few weeks of the regular season.
Charlotte's win over LAFC on their return from the mid-season break remains their only in their last 11, but seven of those have ended in draws.
Playing at least one game less than most of the league, and in some instances two, makes it surprising and concerning that no side has conceded more than Charlotte in the Eastern Conference.
A difficult finish ahead of them is also a cause for caution, as Charlotte still have to face the top two and a Lionel Messi-inspired Inter Miami twice in their final two games of the campaign.
© Reuters
With Charlotte struggling for wins, Rooney's DC United side are in the same boat, with just one win in their last six.
Being held at home by San Jose Earthquakes last time out means they remain six points adrift of Nashville in seventh, so a spot in the quarter-finals of the playoffs looks unlikely.
Instead, DC will have to make sure they can consolidate their place in ninth, which would set them up with a tie against whoever finishes eighth for the final quarter-final spot.
Charlotte, along with Chicago Fire and Inter Miami, are close behind, with the latter in scintillating form since Messi's arrival, and they could quite easily usurp all the sides above them if current form continues.
Team News
© Reuters
Being one of the sides not in action during the international break meant Charlotte did not suffer from absences due to those selected by their countries.
Karol Swiderski endured more misery with Poland, but he has shown fine form in attack with compatriot Kamil Jozwiak in attack for Charlotte.
Jere Uronen was also away with Finland, but he made his full debut against Nashville shortly before returning to Europe for the break, and should return to start again at left-back.
Brecht Dejaegere and Vinicius Mello are expected to be out for another few weeks with respective thigh and leg injuries, while Hamady Diop's hernia will keep him sidelined until November.
DC United were not as fortunate and had a game during the internationals and lost three members of their squad who were on CONCACAF Nations League duty.
Andy Najar of Honduras and Eric Davis and Jose Fajardo both of Panama all missed the draw with San Jose but should return to the matchday squad here.
Tyler Miller will miss out with an abdominal strain though, joining Mohanad Jeahze and Martin Rodriguez on the treatment table.
Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:
Kahlina; Byrne, Malanda, Privett, Uronen; Jones, Westwood, Bronico; Bender, Swiderski, Jozwiak
DC United possible starting lineup:
Bono; Davis, Birnbaum, Williams; Najar, Klich, Canouse, Dajome, Ku-DiPietro; Benteke, Pirani
We say: Charlotte FC 2-2 DC United
As neither side has enjoyed the winning feeling that often recently, another tie could be on the cards in this important clash for ninth place.
In all three MLS meetings between the two sides, the home side on the day has won 3-0, but Charlotte's leaky defence makes a clean sheet look unlikely.
How to watch
You can watch Charlotte FC vs. DC United and every MLS match this season live on Apple TV. Click here for more details on how to subscribe.For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
