Two teams at opposite ends of the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference will meet on Sunday as fourth-placed Nashville SC play host to Chicago Fire.
The visitors are currently just two points above the foot of the table, adding a little pressure heading into this fixture.
Match preview
© Reuters
Nashville SC head into this weekend on the back of a good run of form as they are undefeated in their previous three matches in all competitions.
That included a 3-1 win during their most recent outing against Atlanta United with goals from Fafa Picault, Teal Bunbury and Jason Shaffelburg proving to be decisive.
The victory continued their strong run at home this season as they have only been beaten once at GEODIS Park this season, conceding only three goals across the six games.
Three points on Sunday has the potential of pushing Nashville SC into third place if other results go their way, and that adds further pressure onto the performance this weekend.
No team has conceded fewer goals than the Music this season in the Eastern Conference and that defensive quality has been important for them this season.
© Reuters
The visitors have not been as strong at the back but they have had no problem finding the back of the net, having scored 13 goals already at this point.
Chicago Fire have had a tough start to the season having only won two games so far, but despite their difficulties, the team have only lost once in their previous six matches in all competitions.
Ezra Hendrickson's men have been looking to turn a corner recently and they head into this match on the back of a 1-1 draw against New York Red Bulls.
Despite the point being a positive one, Chicago Fire will have been left frustrated due to the fact that they conceded an equaliser in the 89th minute of the game.
Despite that, the improved performances have put the team in a place where three points could see them climb as high as sixth and just a single point behind their opponents.
Team News
© Reuters
Nashville SC made the decision to mutually terminate Ake Loba's contract this week, bringing his time with the club to an end.
Elsewhere, the hosts do have several injury problems as Nick DePuy has an Achilles tendon problem, while Randall Leal is out of action due to a knee issue.
Nashville SC could end up bringing Shaffelburg into the starting XI this time around, though, after he got on the scoresheet from the bench during their victory against Atlanta United.
Kei Kamara will be sure to lead the line for Chicago Fire as he brings his experience to the team after scoring his 143rd MLS goal last weekend.
Federico Navarro also returned to the starting lineup for the first time since the opening game of the season during their recent 1-1 draw, and fresh from his leg injury he will continue to be an option.
However, the visitors do have several injury issues to deal with as Jairo Torres, Victor Bezerra and Justin Reynolds are all currently on the shelf.
Nashville SC possible starting lineup:
Panicco; Wyke, Maher, Bauer; Muyl, Haakenson, Gregus, Anunga, Washington; Zubak, Shaffelburg
Chicago Fire possible starting lineup:
Brady; Souquet, Czichos, Teran; Gimenez, Navarro, Gutierrez, Dean, Shaqiri; Koutsias, Kamara
We say: Nashville SC 2-1 Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire have made drastic improvements to their performances as of late, and that should lead to them proving to be tough opponents this weekend.
However, Nashville SC should have enough quality, especially with their defensive stability, to secure three points here.
How to watch
You can watch Nashville SC vs. Chicago Fire and every MLS match this season live on Apple TV. Click here for more details on how to subscribe.For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
