Two teams enjoying similar veins of form will lock horns on Saturday as Charlotte FC welcome Nashville SC to the Bank of America Stadium.
The hosts will be seeking to make it five successive victories across all competitions, and the visitors are looking to extend their unbeaten run to eight games.
Match preview
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Charlotte won their third consecutive game in Major League Soccer - and fourth in all competitions - with a 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire at the Bank of America Stadium on Thursday.
Kacper Przybylko gave the visitors the lead inside the opening 30 minutes before a brace from Brandon Cambridge sealed all three points for the Crown and lifted them to seventh place in the Eastern Conference, amassing 18 points from 13 matches.
CLTFC have found their groove in recent weeks, starting with a 3-2 victory over New York City FC, which was then followed up with a 1-0 triumph over Orlando City in the US Open Cup.
Christian Lattanzio's side then saw off the threat of Atlanta United last weekend, after Justin Meram had fired his side into an early 1-0 lead, before Andrew Gutman was dismissed for the hosts in the 51st minute. The Crown took full advantage with Karol Swiderski dispatching his penalty and Meram sealing his brace before the hour mark.
After finishing ninth in their first season after becoming MLS' 28th franchise club, Charlotte will be aiming to kick on and qualify for the playoffs for the first time in their history this time around.
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Nashville SC have been one of the most impressive teams in MLS so far, and that has been reflected by the fact they are unbeaten in their previous seven matches in all competitions.
After four consecutive wins, the Music were held to a 1-1 draw against DC United last weekend, which was a frustrating result for the team.
However, Gary Smith will have been pleased to see his side respond on Thursday with a 2-1 victory over in-form Inter Miami, with goals coming from Fafa Picault and Lukas MacNaughton.
That result keeps Nashville firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot, as the Music currently sit third in the Eastern Conference, having picked up 22 points from 13 games.
Whilst NSC's home record is impressive, losing just once at Geodis Park this season, their away form is the opposite, recording just one win on their travels so far this campaign.
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Team News
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Charlotte appear set to remain without George Marks, Kerwin Vargas and Guzman Corujo through injury, with none of the trio likely to return to action until next month.
Brandon Cambridge could be rewarded with a start in the engine room alongside former Burnley midfielder Ashley Westwood after his heroics off the bench last time out, while Kristijan Kahlina looks set to retain his place between the sticks after recently recovering from back surgery.
As for the visitors, Nick DePuy remains on the treatment table, having been unable to make much impact since signing for the club.
Teal Bunbury and Hany Mukhtar look set to continue their partnership up front for the Music, while Lukas MacNaughton and Jack Maher have started the past three league games in the heart of Nashville's defence.
Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:
Kahlina; Lindsey, Malanda, Sobocinski, Byrne; Westwood, Bronico, Cambridge; Swiderski, Copetti, Meram
Nashville SC possible starting lineup:
Willis; Moore, MacNaughton, Maher, Lovitz; Muyi, McCarty, Godoy, Picault; Mukhtar, Bunbury
We say: Charlotte FC 1-0 Nashville SC
Both teams come into this match in excellent form, so there is not a great deal to split the sides.
However, we think that the hosts will edge this contest considering they have won their last five at home across all competitions, while Nashville have only won once on the road all season.
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