Preview: Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are currently sat in 10th position, while Orlando are one point better off in the final playoff place in the Eastern Conference.

Match preview

With eight matches left to play, Charlotte are still in the fight to clinch a playoff place despite losing four of their previous six MLS matches.

Although in that six-game period they have lost 4-0 to Toronto and suffered a 5-0 defeat against Los Angeles FC, Sunday's hosts claimed an important victory in midweek.

Charlotte travelled to the Red Bull Arena to face New York City and took the lead through Karol Swiderski in the fourth minute before Maxime Chanot equalised, ensuring the contest was level at the break.

Brandt Bronico restored Charlotte's advantage in the 77th minute, while Christian Fuchs wrapped up a 3-1 win, dispatching his spot-kick in stoppage time.

Aiming to make the playoffs in their first year in the MLS, Charlotte will look to draw inspiration from their home record this season, which has seen them win eight of their 12 home matches.

Meanwhile, Orlando currently sit in seventh position which represents the final playoff play in the Eastern Conference, and a defeat on Sunday would result in their hosts leapfrogging them in the standings.

Oscar Pareja's side have struggled to find their best form in recent weeks, winning just two of their previous nine MLS matches.

They also entered last weekend's away meeting with New York Red Bulls off the back of three consecutive MLS defeats.

However, a 17th-minute effort from Facundo Torres proved enough to help Orlando win 1-0 and end a month-long wait for an MLS victory.

Orlando will now turn their attention to Sunday's contest where they have the chance to clinch consecutive away victories for the first time since June 2021.

Charlotte FC Major League Soccer form:

Orlando City Major League Soccer form:

Orlando City form (all competitions):

Team News

Charlotte are unable to call upon the services of Adam Armour and Vinicius Mello, with the pair currently sidelined due to injury issues.

Christian Lattanzio is expected to keep changes to a minimum, although Kamil Jozwiak could be brought into the side to replace Kerwin Vargas.

After scoring against New York City in midweek, Swiderski will continue to lead the line for the hosts on Sunday.

As for the visitors, they are without Joey DeZart who is a long-term injury absentee, while Joao Moutinho is suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards.

Moutinho's suspension could lead to Kyle Smith moving across to left-back, while Ruan is set to come into the side at right-back.

Alexandre Pato could also be absent after being withdrawn at half time last weekend due to an injury issue, and if the Brazilian is unavailable on Sunday then Jake Mulraney could come into the starting lineup.

Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:

Kahlina; Lindsey, Walkes, Sobocinski, Fuchs; Bronico, Jones, McNeill; McKinze Gaines, Jozwiak, Swiderski

Orlando City possible starting lineup:

Gallese; Ruan, Jansson, Carlos, Smith; Pereyra, Aruajo; Urso, Torres, Mulraney; Michel

We say: Charlotte FC 2-1 Orlando City

Charlotte have never drawn a home game in the MLS, and we expect that trend to continue on Sunday when they face Orlando.

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