Preview: Nashville SC vs. Orlando City - prediction, team news, lineups

Orlando City travel to the Nissan Stadium on Thursday for their meeting against Nashville SC seeking to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat.

Meanwhile, the home side return to their own patch where they are still yet to lose this term after four consecutive outings on the road.

Match preview

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Orlando City suffered a fourth straight loss following a 2-1 victory for league leaders New England Revolution when the sides faced off on Sunday.

Oscar Pareja's men went behind to an Adam Buksa strike before drawing level shortly afterwards through Daryl Dike, only for Rodrigo Schlegel to put the ball past his goalkeeper 10 minutes before half time which ultimately decided the contest.

The Lions have dropped down to fifth place in the Eastern Conference, with their cushion on teams outside the playoff places now reduced to just a point.

Next up for them is a trip to a venue where they have not won any of their two previous games, settling for a share of the spoils on both occasions.

Having amassed just 13 points from as many away games this term, Thursday's visitors will be keen to get going on their travels with the regular season now entering into its final stages.

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Nashville had to settle for a point in their clash against Chicago Fire on Sunday at the Soldier Field where the teams played out a 0-0 draw.

Gary Smith's men, who recently put five past Inter Miami, were unable to find a way past through a stubborn opposing side this time around.

The Tennessee-based outfit remain second in the Eastern Conference but are now a whopping 17 points off New England at the top of the table.

However, Thursday's hosts have all but secured a place in the postseason and continue to hold their own in what is only their second ever MLS Campaign.

Team News

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Orlando City's duo of Chris Mueller and Oriol Rosell are ruled out through abdominal strains and will play no part in their side's trip to Nashville.

Mason Stajduhar and Pato continue to battle with knee injuries, while 28-year-old Antonio Carlos is eligible to feature again having served his suspension.

Hany Mukhtar was given a breather in midweek, but the German forward is expected to return to the starting line up at the expense of Jhonder Cadiz.

Mukhtar, who has been directly involved in nine goals in his last nine appearances, will be heavily relied upon once again to deliver the goods.

Nashville SC possible starting lineup:
Willis; Romney, Zimmerman, Maher; Lovitz, Muyl, McCarty, Anunga, Johnston; Leal, Mukhtar

Orlando City possible starting lineup:
Gallese; Moutinho, Jansson, Schlegel, Ruan; Perea, Mendez, Urso; Pereyra, Michel, Dike

We say: Nashville SC 2-1 Orlando City

Nashville are the latest team to try to capitalise on Orlando City's struggles and will fancy themselves to come out on top in this one. We are tipping the home team to emerge victorious albeit by only a narrow margin in what should be an absorbing affair.