After three games without a win, Orlando City will focus on getting their season back on track when they travel to face Philadelphia Union this weekend.
The hosts have had a much stronger start to the season and could break into the top four of the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference if they secure all three points.
Match preview
© Reuters
Philadelphia have made an excellent start to the season overall, reflected by them sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference, but they do head into this game on the back of a poor run.
The Union have not won in their previous four matches and their latest result was a 2-2 draw against DC United last weekend.
How Jim Curtin's men managed to rescue a point will have left fans feeling like the result was a win, though, as they came from two goals behind to get a result.
Goals from Alejandro Bedoya and Jack McGlynn rescued that game, but Philadelphia will be aware they can ill-afford to leave things that late every week.
Depending on other results, a victory could propel the club as high as fourth. The team has a lot to fight for, and the Union wants to ensure they do not let those above them get too far away.
© Reuters
The visitors could finish at the bottom of the Eastern Conference this weekend if they draw or lose and New England Revolution wins, and that should be enough incentive for them to kick on.
It has been a difficult start for Orlando City as they have only managed two wins from their opening 10 games, leaving them stuck near the bottom of the division.
The Lions have not won in their previous three outings. Last weekend, the game started disastrously, as they conceded in the first minute and were unable to respond.
Orlando City spent most of that game with 10 men after Rodrigo Schlegel was sent off in the 23rd minute, and that led to them being dominated in terms of possession.
Oscar Pareja will take some confidence from the fact his team have picked up four points from their previous two away games, and continuing that run this weekend could potentially lead to them climbing up the division.
Team News
© Reuters
It is unlikely that any changes will be made to the heart of the Philadelphia midfield this weekend after the two central midfielders both found the back of the net last weekend.
The Union does have some injury concerns, though, as Isaiah LeFlore and Nick Pariano are dealing with knee injuries at the moment, while Holden Trent has been sidelined because of a hand issue.
Pareja will be forced to make at least one change for the visitors due to Schlegel's suspension, which will likely lead to David Brekalo stepping into the starting lineup.
Ramiro Enrique will likely be unavailable for the Lions this weekend as he deals with an ankle issue.
Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Blake; Mbaizo, Glesnes, Lowe, Harriel; Martinez, Sullivan, Bueno, Gazdag; Uhre, Baribo
Orlando City possible starting lineup:
Gallese; Thorhallsson, Brekalo, Jansson, Santos; Araujo, Cartagena; Ojeda, Torres, Cortes; McGuire
We say: Philadelphia Union 2-0 Orlando City
Philadelphia might be in a difficult run of form at the moment, but they have been a far stronger team throughout the season to this point.
The hosts will expect to take all three points this weekend, and the poor start to the campaign that Orlando City have had could continue.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
