Orlando City vs. Philadelphia (Friday, 12.30am)
© Reuters
Second place in the Eastern Conference will be up for grabs on Thursday when Orlando City play host to the Philadelphia Union at Exploria Stadium.
The Lions have lost two of their last three fixtures to drop into third in the east, while the Union scored early and late against DC United for a 2-1 win.
We say: Orlando City 1-1 Philadelphia Union
Orlando have not faced a team currently in a playoff position in the Eastern Conference in quite some time, but when they have, they seem to be at the top of their defensive game, and now they have Pedro Gallese back in goal to bail them out if need be.
The Union have picked up three clean sheets on the road this year, but with the loss of Andre Blake to the Gold Cup, they have struggled, conceding five goals in their last three road fixtures.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Austin vs. Seattle (Friday, 2.30am)
© Reuters
The newest franchise in MLS, Austin FC, could potentially move into a playoff position with a victory against the Seattle Sounders on Thursday at Q2 Stadium.
The Verde-and-Black lost their last MLS match back on July 7 to Los Angeles FC 2-0, while last weekend Seattle were beaten for the first time this year, 1-0 to Minnesota United.
We say: Austin FC 0-1 Seattle Sounders
Austin are a tough, well-organized defensive unit, with four clean sheets so far, but even though they have earned draws against the top two teams in the Western Conference (Seattle and Kansas City), they still struggle to find the back of the net, going goalless in eight fixtures already this year.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Barney Corkhill
