Orlando City will be hoping to move into the MLS playoffs when they take on New York City at the Exploria Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The hosts are 11th in the MLS table, having collected 15 points from 11 games, with the visitors one place higher, although they have played one extra match.
Match preview
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Orlando City have really struggled with inconsistency so far this season, having failed to win two games on the bounce, despite putting in some impressive performances at times, emerging as shock 2-1 winners away at Philadelphia Union back in March.
Another glaring issue for the Lions has been their home form, picking up just seven points from their six games at the Exploria Stadium this term, the fewest of any side in the Eastern Conference.
Oscar Pareja's side have lost three of their last four home games, although they did win their last match in front of their own fans, recording a 2-0 victory against a struggling Los Angeles Galaxy side.
Although they impressed against the Galaxy, Orlando City do not have a very good recent record against Wednesday's opponents, winning just one of the last five matches between the two sides, most recently losing 2-1 at the Yankee Stadium back in October.
Last time out, the Lions put in a spirited second-half performance to take a point against Columbus Crew, fighting back from a two-goal deficit, with Duncan McGuire firing home a stoppage-time equaliser.
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NY City have not made the best of starts to the MLS season, given that they finished third in the previous campaign, sitting in 10th place, already nine points behind top-of-the-table New England Revolution.
The Bronx Blues' form has really started to go downhill in recent weeks, losing their last four matches in all competitions, three of which they have been unable to score in, including the last one, against rivals New York Red Bulls.
In a trip to the Red Bull Arena, the Pigeons never looked like threatening in front of goal, despite dominating possession, registering just one shot on target in the entire match.
Away form has been NY City's major problem this season, having taken just two points from seven matches on the road, the fewest of any side in the Eastern Conference, and Nick Cushing's side will need to put in a much-improved performance to stand any chance of getting a result.
Team News
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Orlando City will be without Luca Petrasso, with a thigh injury ruling the Canadian left-back out of the last five matches, meaning Rodrigo Schlegel should keep his place in the side, having started the last two games.
Pareja may have a selection dilemma in attack, given that McGuire scored from the bench last time out, but Ercan Kara is likely to continue to lead the line, in what should be a 4-2-3-1 system, after scoring two goals in his last three games.
Felipe Martins missed the last match because of a knock, and the midfielder remains a doubt, with Mauricio Pereyra also set to miss out with an issue which has ruled him out of the last four games.
NY City have no fresh injury concerns to deal with, but Cushing may make one change to his side, given their toothless attacking display against rivals NY Red Bulls last time out.
The manager did not choose to make any substitutions until the 89th minute last Sunday, which indicates he does not trust his back-up options, but it would not be a surprise if Andres Jasson replaces Richard Ledezma in attack.
Orlando City possible starting lineup:
Gallese; Cortes, Antonio, Jansson, Schlegel; Araujo, Cartagena, Ojeda, Torres, Gonzalez; Kara
New York City FC possible starting lineup:
Barraza; Martins, Chanot, Sands; Gray, Rodriguez, Parks, O'Toole; Pereira, Magno, Jasson
We say: Orlando City 1-0 New York City FC
Orlando City's disappointing home record, coupled with New York City's poor form on their travels, makes this a very tough match to call, but we expect the hosts to eke out a narrow victory.
The Lions managed to win their last match on home soil, while the Pigeons have recorded two draws and five defeats in seven matches, and there have been no recent signs of improvement.
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Top tip
Dominic Lund
