Preview: Nashville SC vs. Charlotte FC - prediction, team news, lineups

Nashville SC will attempt to claim their first MLS victory of the season when they welcome Charlotte FC to Geodis Park on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Charlotte are searching for their opening away win of the campaign, having failed to win either of their previous two road trips.

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Match preview

Nashville will have to pick themselves up for Saturday's fixture after their CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign was brought to an end by Inter Miami in midweek.

The Boys in Gold played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg, before goals from Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Robert Taylor condemned them to a 3-1 defeat in Wednesday's return fixture.

After being eliminated at the last-16 stage, Nashville will turn their focus back to MLS action, with Gary Smith's side sitting in 10th spot in the Eastern Conference after beginning their domestic campaign with three consecutive draws.

They took a point off both New York Red Bulls and Colorado Rapids, before they gave up a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 in last weekend's home meeting with the LA Galaxy.

Nashville will certainly be keen to embark upon a winning run, having won just three of their last 19 matches in the regular season (D8, L8).

Dean Smith has experienced a mixed start to life as Charlotte head coach, with his first three MLS matches producing four points.

The former Aston Villa boss began his tenure with a 1-0 win over New York City, before he saw his side play out an away draw with Toronto.

Charlotte looked set to take a point off another Canadian club in last week's trip to Toronto, but a late Lorenzo Insigne strike ultimately condemned Smith to his first defeat in MLS.

The Crown, who occupy eighth spot in the Eastern Conference, will be keen to offer a lot more in the final third this weekend, having scored just two goals in their opening three matches.

Saturday's visitors have only competed in one competitive away game against Nashville, with last season's trip to Geodis Park producing two stoppage-time goals in a 1-1 draw.

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Team News

Nashville are unable to call upon defender Walker Zimmerman and midfielder Randall Leal due to knee and hip injuries respectively.

Sam Surridge could be presented with a starting opportunity after he came off the bench to score a late consolation in midweek.

Midfielder Dru Yearwood could be brought back into the side, having started each of Nashville's opening three MLS matches.

As for the visitors, they are having to cope without the services of Ben Bender, Tyger Smalls, Brandon Cambridge and Brandt Bronico.

Despite seeing his side fall to a defeat last weekend, Smith will likely select the same lineup used in the opening three matches of the season.

Liel Abada could be included in the matchday squad after the winger recently completed a move from Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.

Nashville SC possible starting lineup: Willis; Moore, Macnaughton, Lovitz, Washington; Yearwood, Godoy; Boyd, Mukhtar, Shaffleburg; Surridge

Charlotte FC possible starting lineup: Kahlina; Byrne, Malanda, Privett, Uronen; Dejaegere, Westwood, Urso; Vargas, Tavares, Copetti

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We say: Nashville SC 1-1 Charlotte FC

Nashville may be slightly fatigued following their midweek outing in the Champions Cup, and we think they will have to settle for a point in Saturday's home contest, especially after drawing three of their four competitive home games this season.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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