Charlotte FC play host to DC United on Saturday night looking for the win that will keep them in close proximity to the top four in the Eastern Conference standings.
Meanwhile, the visitors head into this contest searching for the victory that could move them back into the playoff spots.
Match preview
© Reuters
There have been times during this season when Charlotte have looked impenetrable at the back, at one stage going five games without conceding a single goal.
Dean Smith's side remain with the fourth-best defensive record in the division, yet there have been signs in recent weeks that inconsistency is beginning to creep into their game.
After a 3-1 defeat at New York Red Bulls, the team directly above them in the table, Charlotte were reliant on a three-goal burst across a 28-minute period against Atlanta United to come through by a 3-2 scoreline.
Nevertheless, in the grand scheme of things, that success was important, with The Crown having only won three of their previous eight games beforehand.
Charlotte welcome their next opponents to the Bank of America Stadium having collected 18 points from nine games, despite having scored just 10 goals.
© Reuters
That is the kind of record that may intimidate a DC United side that have only won one of their eight away games, even though they have scored the same amount of goals as Charlotte.
Over a month has now passed since Troy Lesesne's side last won a game in MLS - a 3-2 success away at Atlanta on May 12.
Just two points have been accumulated from their last five matches, although a morale-boosting draw was posted against Toronto FC last time out.
DC United had been trailing 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining but after initially halving the deficit, their opponents had two players sent off before Mateusz Klich scored the leveller from the penalty spot.
Team News
© Reuters
Unlike many of the other teams in MLS, Charlotte have not been hit by notable international call-ups and it is plausible that the same side is selected here.
Liel Abada scored twice last time out and will keep his spot on the left flank, although Junior Urso may be considered for a return in central-midfield.
Meanwhile, DC United are without Aaron Herrera and Matti Peltola courtesy of the pair being on international duty with Guatemala and Finland.
Connor Antley has not featured in any of the recent squads, but remains an option to replace Herrera at right wing-back, or at full-back if Lesesne switches formation.
Teenager Matai Akinmboni is an alternative in the middle of defence having replaced Steven Birnbaum at half time last time out.
Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:
Kahlina; Byrne, Malanda, Privett, Uronen; Bronico, Westwood, Urso; Abada, Agyemang, Vargas
DC United possible starting lineup:
Bono; Tubbs, Akinmboni, Bartlett; Antley, Klich, Hopkins, Santos; DiPietro, Stroud; Benteke
We say: Charlotte FC 2-1 DC United
Although DC United possess a poor defensive record, they have shown enough going forward to suggest that they could trouble Charlotte. Nevertheless, we are backing the home side to edge this contest by the odd goal in three, keeping pace with the chasing pack.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
