Nashville SC look to put two uncharacteristic defeats in MLS behind them when they welcome DC United to Geodis Park on Sunday morning.
The Boys in Gold have conceded three goals in two games without getting on the scoresheet, while the visiting side returned to winning ways with a 3-0 triumph over league-leading FC Cincinnati.
Match preview
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Gary Smith's team are unlikely to drop out of the coveted top seven positions, but the mini wobble in recent gameweeks is concerning.
Nashville were 10 games unbeaten before losing 1-0 to Montreal on June 22, and they sought a response on June 25's encounter at Columbus Crew — only to be beaten 2-0 in Ohio.
Two consecutive losses have not been overly damaging — they have dropped from second place in the combined MLS standings but remain third in the Eastern Conference — as they are not in immediate danger of losing their playoff spot.
Be that as it may, Smith's troops could drop to fourth in their section this weekend and fall to sixth in the MLS table if beaten, with results elsewhere going against them.
However, supporters of the Boys in Gold should be confident of a return to winning ways due to the team's impressive record in Nashville, where they have won the last five in front of their fans, averaging 2.8 goals in that period.
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Travelling to Geodis Park are DC United, whose return to winning ways was just what the doctor ordered after consecutive losses to Atlanta United and Real Salt Lake.
Few expected Wayne Rooney's team to end that run against table-topping Cincinnati United, not to mention defeating the leaders 3-0 in Washington.
Three first-half goals from Pedro Santos, Derrick Williams and Cristian Dajome secured maximum points for DC to leave them 15th in the MLS and ninth in the Eastern Conference.
With only two points separating Rooney's team from Orlando City in eighth, the Washington outfit could supplant the wobbling Orlando (winless in three) if they secure three points over the weekend and the seventh and eighth (CF Montreal) fail to win.
However, United have not been dominant on their travels, winning one of their last five road games — a 2-1 victory over a wretched Inter Miami — offering little optimism against Nashville on Sunday.
Team News
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Despite utilising a 5-3-2 in consecutive away games, Smith is expected to return to a back four for the visit of DC United.
There are no fresh injury worries for the Boys in Gold, with Nick DePuy's Achilles tendon surgery still keeping the centre-back out of action.
Fafa Picault is participating in the Gold Cup for Haiti, thus ruling out the wide attacker this weekend.
Steven Birnbaum should return to the DC backline after serving his suspension for a red card against Salt Lake, replacing Donovan Pines in the lineup.
Martin Rodriguez (knee) is a long-term absentee for Rooney, while Nigel Robertha (ankle) and Mohanad Jeahze (calf) are not expected to play any part this weekend.
Nashville SC possible starting lineup:
Willis; Moore, MacNaughton, Maher, Lovitz; Muyl, McCarty, Davis, Leal; Mukhtar, Bunbury
DC United possible starting lineup:
Miller; Hines-Ike, Birnbaum, Williams; Najer, Durkin, O'Brien, Samake; Dajome, Benteke, Klich
We say: Nashville SC 3-0 DC United
Nashville are a different animal on their turf, and they should secure a comfortable victory over a United side that has picked up four points from an available 15 away from home.
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