Orlando City play host to New England Revolution with the two teams sitting in the mid-table spots of the Eastern Conference standings.
However, with both sides on prolonged unbeaten streaks, this could prove to be one of the most entertaining games of the weekend.
Match preview
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There have been some impressive streaks put together in MLS this season but Orlando City’s run of five successive clean sheets has to be up there as one of their best.
Prior to that run of shutouts, 12 goals had been conceded in six games, highlighting the manner in which Oscar Pareja has turned around his team’s fortunes.
That said, four of the previous five MLS matches have ended in goalless draws, a 3-0 victory over Atlanta United being the exception.
Nevertheless, only sitting seven points adrift of the leaders will be deemed acceptable at this stage, particularly when an eight-game unbeaten streak has been put together since March 9.
Earlier this week, the Lions cruised through their fixture in the US Open Cup, prevailing by a 5-0 scoreline at Tampa Bay Rowdies.
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New England Revolution had a far tougher examination at Rhode Island, only coming through with a 2-1 victory courtesy of an 88th-minute winner.
Notably, that is the only time that they have conceded in five matches, their four-match winning streak in MLS featuring clean sheets in each of them.
Caleb Porter‘s side possess the best defensive record in the division, creating a rare instance where these two teams have not conceded for at least 360 minutes each.
Although the goal return of New England Revolution has been far less than their hosts, they have won each of their most recent three away contests in MLS.
Team News
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Despite witnessing his side held to a goalless draw at Chicago Fire, Pareja may not tinker with the team from the last MLS fixture.
That is despite the emergence of Gustavo Carabello on Wednesday night, the 16-year-old netting twice in the demolition of Tampa Bay Rowdies.
The same may apply to New England given their own winning streak, Leonardo Campana in line to retain his spot in attack after netting twice in the last three appearances.
There are five players in this squad – Brayan Ceballos, Matt Polster, Will Sands, Mamadou Fofana and Luca Langoni – who are all one yellow card away from a suspension.
Orlando City possible starting lineup:
Gallese; Freeman, Schlegel, Jansson, Brekalo; Pasalic, Araujo, Smith, Angulo; McGuire, Muriel
New England Revolution possible starting lineup:
Ivacic; Ceballos, Fofana, Beason; Feingold, Polster, Yusuf, Miller; Gil; Campana, Ganago
We say: Orlando City 1-1 New England Revolution
Taking New England’s defensive record into account, we can only predict a low-scoring contest between these two teams. Although Orlando City boast one of the best attacks, a draw could play out, one that suits neither side.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
