Nashville SC will be looking to record a first victory in just over two months of action when they entertain the challenge of Austin FC at Geodis Park on Saturday.
Both sides head into this one in need of a pick-me-up, with their playoff hopes currently hanging into the balance as the regular season nears its conclusion.
Match preview
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Since their introduction to the top flight in 2020, Nashville have more than held their own but are on course to record their lowest league finish off the back of what has been a disastrous campaign, to say the least.
Brian Joseph Callaghan's men are on an eight-game losing streak across all competitions, with the most recent two defeats coming in an underwhelming Leagues Cup outing that ended in a group-stage exit.
The Coyotes have struggled at both ends of the pitch in that time, having found the back of the net on a meagre four occasions while also conceding a whopping 19 goals.
Nonetheless, there is still a glimmer of hope for Nashville, who sit just two points shy of playoff contention in the Eastern Conference of the MLS table as things stand.
Having recorded 17 of their 26 points so far in home matches, Saturday's hosts will need to be near-perfect in front of their fans from here on out if they are to make a late push for a place in the postseason.
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Like Nashville, Austin are also relatively new to top-flight proceedings having only joined in the 2021 season, although they have since made it to the playoffs.
After failing to win any of their three MLS games prior, Josh Wolff's men picked up rare back-to-back wins against UNAM Pumas and Monterrey in the Leagues Cup before bowing out to Los Angeles FC in the first knockout round.
Los Verdes scored five times across the aforementioned two victories and will now need to carry on that attacking impetus to Major League Soccer duty in their quest to mount a late playoff charge.
Austin have been found wanting in front of goal all season long, as their tally of 28 strikes currently ranks lowest among all teams in the Western Conference this term.
Saturday's visitors are 10th in the standings at the moment, just two points shy of Minnesota United in ninth place, which would be enough to secure a play-in spot.
Team News
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Nashville duo Josh Bauer and Anibal Godoy are both suspended, rendering them unavailable for this weekend's affair.
Long-term absentee Randall Leal is also out of contention for the away side due to a hip injury, while Lukas MacNaughton is yet to fully recuperate from a damaged ankle.
Dru Yearwood misses out for a fourth straight game through a muscle injury, but Julian Gaines is stepping up his recovery from an ankle problem that has sidelined him for over three months and could be in line to feature on Sunday.
Thirty-one-year-old Diego Rubio is not eligible to play any part for Austin FC as he prepares to serve a ban, having crossed the yellow-card threshold in his last league outing.
Summer arrival Osman Bukari is still yet to open his account for his new employers and will be keen to get off the mark at the fourth time of asking.
Nashville SC possible starting lineup:
Willis; Lovitz, Kallman, Washington, Moore; Yazbek, Sejdic; Shaffelburg, Mukhtar, Surrdige; Bunbury
Austin FC possible starting lineup:
Stuver; Biro, Hines-Ike, Hedges, Desler; Pereira, Ring; Gallagher, Driussi, Obrian; Zardes
We say: Nashville SC 2-1 Austin FC
There is little to choose between the sides leading up to this one, and Saturday's game is firmly in the balance.
However, we just about back Nashville to carry the day and see off the threat of Austin at the end of the 90 minutes in Tennessee.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
