Orlando City entertain the challenge of Philadelphia Union at the Exploria Stadium on Sunday looking to end a run of three games without a win.
Meanwhile, the away side make the trip to Florida this weekend looking to record a fourth victory on the bounce in just over two weeks.
Match preview
© Reuters
Orlando City fell to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Premier League outfit Arsenal in a pre-season club friendly earlier this morning.
After going behind to Gabriel Martinelli's early strike, Oscar Pareja's men hit back through Facundo Torres to go in level at the interval before second-half goals from Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson settled the contest.
Prior to that, the Lions played out a 1-1 draw against Atlanta United in their last league outing, which saw them drop to fifth in the Eastern Conference.
Awaiting them next is a clash versus an opposing outfit who have only claimed one victory in the most recent six meetings between the teams.
Having conceded the joint-most goals on home turf this term, Sunday's hosts will need to keep it tight at the back to stand a good chance of coming away with a positive result here.
© Reuters
Philadelphia Union saw off the threat of New England Revolution courtesy of a comeback 2-1 victory at the Subaru Park on Sunday.
Jim Curtin's men fell behind to Gustavo Bou's opener just past the hour mark before hitting back through strikes from Mikael Uhre and Daniel Gazdag.
The U remain top of the Eastern Conference standings, one point clear of nearest challengers New York City FC, albeit having played one game more.
Currently with the meanest defence away from home in the entire division, Sunday's visitors have proven themselves to be a tough nut to crack on the road and will be looking to secure another positive result on enemy territory.
- W
- L
- L
- W
- D
- D
- W
- L
- W
- D
- D
- L
- W
- L
- D
- W
- W
- W
Team News
© Reuters
Mason Stajduhar has not featured since May due to a knee injury, and the 24-year-old is not expected to play any part for Orlando City on Sunday.
Uruguayan forward Facundo Torres is one to keep an eye on here having scored in three of his last five appearances for the home side.
Off the back of a five-game goal drought, Daniel Gazdag has now found the back of the net in back to back games and will be looking to deliver the goods once again.
Mikael Uhre is expected to return to the starting XI for this one after coming off the bench to good effect against New England Revolution last time out.
Orlando City possible starting lineup:
Gallese; Smith, Jansson, Schlegel, Ruan; Mulraney, Araujo, Urso, Torres; Pereyra, Kara
Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Blake; Wagner, Findlay, Glesnes, Mbaizo; Martinez, Flach, Bedoya, Gazdag; Uhre, Burke
We say: Orlando City 1-2 Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union head into the game on a better run of results and will back themselves to come away with all three points. While we expect Orlando City to put up a good fight, we are tipping the away side to emerge victorious at the end of the 90 minutes.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
