A top-of-the-table clash in MLS sees FC Cincinnati welcome New England Revolution to the TQL Stadium on Sunday morning.
The Eastern Conference leaders are hitherto perfect on their turf, while the away side, aided by an ongoing three-game winning run, have recently supplanted Nashville to move into second.
Match preview
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Barring any disaster, Cincinnati should make this year's MLS Cup Playoffs due to a commendable start to the campaign that has seen the Garys open a seven-point lead at the top of the Eastern Conference.
It was 10 points before the previous gameweek, but a shock 3-0 loss at Wayne Rooney's DC United put paid to a 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions — 10 matches without losing in the MLS.
Pat Noonan's team have shown the right response to defeats this season, underscoring their determination to make sure those losses are one-offs and not evidence of a dip in performances and results.
Losing to DC was unexpected, and the Eastern Conference leaders chase their 14th MLS victory of the campaign against the league's second-placed side.
With 10 straight victories at the TQL Stadium — Noonan's men have scored 19 times and conceded only five — an 11th triumph on the trot could be expected on Sunday.
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The Revs could close the gap atop the standings by defeating a side whose perfect home form must bring fear in the opposition.
Bruce Arena's side have claimed three victories on the bounce, taking them above previous second-placed side Nashville, who could leapfrog New England this weekend.
A win for the third-placed Nashville against DC United and a defeat for Arena's troops see the latter fall to third, an eventuality that is not calamitous due to the Revs' high standing.
However, a four-game winless run on their travels highlights their broader road struggles, which have produced three away victories in MLS this season.
Those victories came at the start of the campaign, with Arena's men making do with draws and defeats since their commendable road results brought about three wins and a tie in their first five away matches this term.
The Revs are underdogs on Sunday despite being just below Cincinnati, evidenced by the teams' home and away results.
Team News
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Ian Murphy is suspended for Cincinnati because of his sending-off against DC United following two yellow cards, forcing Noonan into altering his back three, with Yerson Mosquera likely to be utilised from the off.
Brenner is still out with a foot injury that has limited the forward to eight appearances all season, and the Brazilian is not back from his layoff.
Matt Miazga and Brandon Vazquez will play no part because of their involvement at the Gold Cup with the United States.
The Revs have multiple players out with long-term injuries, with Maciel, Tommy McNamara and Nacho Gil absent since the start of the season.
Henry Kessler has been sidelined with a muscle injury since April, while Dylan Borrero is injured for the foreseeable future after a cruciate ligament rupture.
DeJuan Jones is away with the United States squad at the Gold Cup, ruling out the wide defender on Saturday.
Djordje Petrovic was New England's star in the 2-1 success over Toronto FC on June 29, and the goalkeeper, who made nine saves, could be busy against Cincinnati.
FC Cincinnati possible starting lineup:
Celentaro; Powell, Hagglund, Mosquera; Arias, Nwobodo, Angulo, Barreal; Acosta; Kubo, Ordonez
New England Revolution possible starting lineup:
Petrovic; Bye, Farrell, Romney, Spaulding; Blessing, Polster, Boateng; Gil; Wood, Boue
We say: FC Cincinnati 2-1 New England Revolution
The best side in MLS are expected to make it 11 wins from 11 on home turf when they host New England due to their penchant for scoring at the TQL Stadium and tendency to give little away.
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