Charlotte FC take on Orlando City at the Bank of America Stadium on Wednesday evening, in the latest round of MLS fixtures.
With a third of the regular season left to play, the hosts are currently sitting in 12th place, while the visitors are up in fourth.
Match preview
© Reuters
Charlotte were not in the best of form in the MLS prior to it being put on hold, failing to win any of their final eight games, meaning they are now outside of the playoff places, trailing ninth-placed Chicago Fire by three points.
However, the Crown's solid performance in the Leagues Cup while the MLS was paused may have gone some way to lifting spirits, progressing through a group containing Dallas and Necaxa, before defeating Cruz Azul in the round of 32 stage.
Despite being underdogs, Christian Lattanzio's side then put in a solid display against Houston Dynamo to reach the quarter final stage, but they were ultimately knocked out at the hands of eventual-winners Inter Miami.
There is no shame in losing to the side that went on to win the tournament, particularly considering Inter Miami now have Lionel Messi at their disposal, and Charlotte have since bounced back with a 2-1 victory against Los Angeles FC.
Goals from the former Premier League duo of Ashley Westwood and Scott Arfield secured the win for the Crown, and they will now be looking to build momentum at the Bank of America Stadium, but they face a tough test on Wednesday night.
© Reuters
Orlando City are fourth in the Eastern Conference of the MLS, having acquired 43 points in 25 games, which means they should be a shoo-in for the playoffs at the end of the season, barring a major dip in form.
The Lions are 11 points behind league-leaders FC Cincinnati, so a push for top spot seems unlikely, but they have steadily been building momentum in the MLS, with their form improving dramatically prior to the early August break.
Oscar Pareja's side have won five of their last six MLS games, while they also exhibited some promising signs in the Leagues Cup, defeating Houston Dynamo and Santos Laguna in the group stages, before ultimately being knocked out by Inter Miami.
Undeterred by their loss against the Herons, Orlando City have gone on to win their last two MLS games, most recently defeating Western Conference leaders St. Louis City 2-1, courtesy of a 91st-minute Facundo Torres penalty.
Team News
© Reuters
Charlotte are set to be without striker Enzo Copetti, who sustained an injury in the 1-1 draw against New York City FC back in July, meaning Karol Swiderski is poised to lead the line, despite not scoring in his last four games.
Having scored his first goal for the club after coming on as a substitute in the last match, Arfield could slot into the midfield, replacing Derrick Jones.
Orlando City have a couple of injury concerns, with Carlos Antonio still sidelined, having missed the last two matches, meaning Rodrigo Schlegel and Robin Jansson are poised to keep their places at centre-back.
Long-term absentee Gaston Gonzalez is still unavailable for selection, so Ivan Angulo is set to keep his place at left-wing, with Torres on the opposite flank, playing provider for Duncan McGuire in attack.
Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:
Kahlina; Lindsey, Malanda, Privett, Byrne; Westwood, Ben, Bronico, Arfield, Dejaegere; Swiderski
Orlando City possible starting lineup:
Gallese; Thorhallsson, Schlegel, Jansson, Santos; Araujo, Cartagena, Torres, Pereyra, Angulo; McGuire
We say: Charlotte FC 0-1 Orlando City
Although Charlotte FC have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, Orlando City have collected 14 more points so far this season and should have enough quality to take all three points.
A victory against St. Louis City last time out was a real statement, and Pareja's side will now be looking to follow that up with a win away from home.
How to watch
You can watch Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City 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.
