FC Cincinnati play host to Philadelphia Union on Wednesday evening looking for the win that would see them at least keep pace with Eastern Conference leaders Inter Miami.
Meanwhile, the visitors head into this contest looking to stay within the top seven in the standings after a poor run of form.
Match preview
© Reuters
When Cincinnati started the season in inconsistent form, it felt like there was a hangover from their near-miss in the end-of-season playoffs in 2023.
However, Pat Noonan's side have since responded with an outstanding run since the middle of April, prevailing in eight of their most recent nine MLS matches.
There have been some close calls along the way - none of those eight victories have come by more than two goals - yet the Orange and Blue have found a way to get over the line.
The downside is that goals have started to be shipped for fun; Cincinnati have conceded seven times in their last three outings, including in a 2-0 defeat to Nashville.
Games at Toronto FC and San Jose Earthquakes were won by 4-3 and 4-2 scorelines respectively, though, with Noonan finally witnessing his side deliver in the final third. They still remain with just the fourth-best attack in the division.
Philadelphia Union have accumulated 16 points fewer than Cincinnati this season, yet the home side have a reference point that this match will be far from easy.
Inter Miami had to come from behind to record a 2-1 win over The U last time out, albeit when they were down to nine men, so there will be mixed opinions over whether any positives can be taken by Philadelphia.
Jim Curtin's side are under-performing in comparison to their fourth-placed finish in the Eastern Conference last season, although they have only lost five times in 17 games.
Just one victory has been posted in 11 outings, away at bottom-of-the-table New England Revolution, and it leaves Curtin hoping that they can overcome the disappointment of throwing away a share of the spoils in the last game.
Team News
© Reuters
Yuya Kubo will hope to be handed a recall in the Cincinnati final third after coming off the substitutes' bench to score twice in San Jose.
Sergio Santos was replaced on that occasion and should drop to the substitutes' bench, while Kipp Keller is likely to replace the injured Matt Miazga in defence.
Miles Robinson remains away with the United States at the Copa America and will play no part in this contest.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Union have been decimated by international call-ups with as many as eight players absent in recent weeks.
Nathan Harriel, Jack McGlynn and David Vazquez have since returned, but there may only be one change if Curtin chooses to replace Alejandro Bedoya with Jesus Bueno.
FC Cincinnati possible starting lineup:
Celentano; Hagglund, Keller, Murphy; Yedlin, Nwobodo, Bucha, Orellano; Acosta; Kelsy, Kubo
Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Semmle; Mbaizo, Glesnes, Harriel, Wagner; Bueno, Flach, McGlynn; Rafanello; Sullivan, Uhre
We say: FC Cincinnati 3-1 Philadelphia Union
Having only lost narrowly to Inter Miami, Philadelphia will feel that can trouble their hosts on Wednesday night. However, we can only back a convincing home victory, one that will keep the pressure on the leaders.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
