Preview: Austin FC vs. Colorado Rapids - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts have a guaranteed second-placed finish regardless of this result, while the visitors have a very slim chance of earning a playoff finish.

Match preview

Austin have had a strong season that the team will no doubt be proud of as they will finish second no matter how the game ends on Sunday.

The Oaks are currently five points behind Los Angeles FC, and while they do have the potential of closing that gap, this fixture will be more about creating momentum.

Josh Wolff will be looking for his team to put in a strong performance to finish the regular season before the MLS playoffs commence.

Austin have gone two games in a row without a victory heading into Sunday's match, and that is a run they will want to end before the crucial matches that are still to come.

The Oaks were beaten 2-0 by Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend despite the fact they dominated possession.

While Austin have nothing to play for in this game, Colorado Rapids could technically finish in the playoff positions, but it would take an almighty performance to make that happen.

Not only do they need to defeat Austin, but they require a big change in goal difference as that is what it would come down to between themselves and those above them.

The Rapids head into this fixture on the back of a victory last weekend which showcased their ability to fight for all three points.

Robin Fraser's men defeated FC Dallas by a goal to nil as Diego Rubio's goal was the difference maker between the two teams.

Not only that, but Colorado Rapids had to fight through the final 20 minutes of the game with 10 men after Gustavo Vallecilla was sent off, showcasing how much each game matters right now.

Austin FC Major League Soccer form:

L

L

L

W

D

L

Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer form:

L

D

W

W

L

W

Team News

Austin could opt to rotate their team heavily in this match to rest players ahead of the playoffs, yet they could also push out a strong XI to prepare for those games.

Washington Corozo missed out last weekend because of an abdomen issue, but he could be in line to appear this time around if he is fit enough to do so, and giving him some minutes could be important.

The visitors will be without Vallecilla on Sunday because of the red card that he received in Colorado's most recent outing, which could lead to Drew Moor being given an opportunity to play.

They also have a trio of players dealing with cruciate ligament injuries right now, with Dantouma Toure, Aboubacar Keita and Braian Galvan all out of action.

Austin FC possible starting lineup:

Stuver; Lima, Gabrielsen, Romana, Gallagher; Ring, Valencia; Fagundez, Driussi, Finlay; Djitte

Colorado Rapids possible starting lineup:

Yarbrough; Beitashour, Wilson, Moor, Rosenberry; Gutierrez, Price; Nicholson, Rubio, Lewis; Zardes

We say: Austin FC 1-2 Colorado Rapids

Austin FC might be the stronger of the two teams on paper due to their league position, but because they have got nothing to play for in this match they might not end up being at their best here.

Colorado Rapids could earn a place in the MLS playoffs with a victory, and that is why they might end up taking all three points in this game.

Previews by email