Second meets third in the Western Conference on Sunday evening as Nashville SC play host to Los Angeles FC.
While the visitors hold a nine-point advantage and game in hand over their hosts, LAFC will not want to lose ground on leaders Austin FC.
Match preview
© Reuters
Amid the fanfare that came with Gareth Bale's arrivel in Los Angeles, supporters are excited ahead of the potential debut of their latest signing this weekend.
However, despite the prospect of a first outing for the Wales international, everyone associated with LAFC need to remain focused on trying to win the Western Conference.
On the back of a surprise 1-0 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps, Steve Cherundolo's team were under pressure to deliver in the derby with Los Angeles Galaxy last week.
Heading into the final quarter, the contest was locked at 1-1, but Jose Cifuentes and Cristian Arango scored twice in the space of three minutes.
With four wins from their last six outings, LAFC have just about managed to remain on the coattails of Austin, but they can ill-afford another slip-up in their upcoming fixture.
© Reuters
Given that they have not recorded back-to-back wins in the MLS since the start of April, Nashville have done well to remain in third position at this stage.
Six goals had been conceded in the double-header with Portland Timbers and Charlotte ahead of playing host to Seattle Sounders last time out.
Nevertheless, Gary Smith witnessed his team post a 1-0 win courtesy of Hany Mukhtar's effort just before the half-time whistle.
That win was just their third at home this campaign, although it is worth pointing out that they have played just eight times on familiar territory, four fewer than on their travels.
- D
- L
- W
- D
- L
- W
- L
- W
- D
- D
- L
- W
- W
- D
- W
- W
- L
- W
Team News
© Reuters
Barring any unforeseen injury issues, Smith may be prepared to name the same Nashville XI from the victory over the Sounders.
Tah Anunga is an alternative option in the middle of the pitch, but veteran Dax McCarty should retain his spot alongside Sean Davis.
Even if Bale is registered in time for this fixture, the forward is only likely to be named among the replacements.
Fellow new arrival Giorgio Chiellini may also find himself selected on the substitutes' bench for the second successive game, but witnessing his team concede twice against Galaxy may tempt Cherundolo into handing the legendary Italian his debut.
Kwadwo Opoku is in line to return in the final third in place of Danny Musovski, who was substituted in the first half of the most recent fixture.
Nashville SC possible starting lineup:
Willis; Miller, Zimmermann, Maher, Lovitz; Muyl, Davis, McCarty, Leal; Mukhtar, Sapong
Los Angeles FC possible starting lineup:
Crepeau; Hollingshead, Murillo, Ibeagha, Palacios; Cifuentes, Sanchez, Acosta; Vela; Arango, Opoku
We say: Nashville SC 1-1 Los Angeles FC
While neither team can claim to be in their best form, that should only make this contest even more competitive. Although LAFC will have their eyes on maximum points, we feel that a draw is the most likely outcome, one which will satisfy both clubs.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
