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

The hosts currently find themselves top of the Major League Soccer Western Conference, as they are attempting to push further away from Los Angeles FC.

Match preview

Austin FC are currently top of the Western Conference coming into this game, which is a position that they will be hoping to strengthen this weekend.

At the moment the gap between them and Los Angeles FC is just goal difference, while there are several other teams waiting to overtake them if they slip up.

That is placing pressure on each match for the Grackles, which was clear to see last weekend when they were defeated 2-1 by Real Salt Lake.

However, Austin responded well to the loss in midweek as they quickly got back to winning ways against Los Angeles FC with goals from Ruben Gabrielsen and Diego Fagundez providing the three points to their team.

After losing just once at the Q2 Stadium this season, the squad should have no shortage of confidence either, which will no doubt help them in what should be a close game.

Orlando City have got plenty of belief themselves heading into this one after they have picked up consecutive victories in their most recent outings in both the league and the U.S. Open Cup.

The Lions knocked out Philadelphia Union last weekend with an impressive 2-1 win, and they then followed that up by defeating Toronto in the league.

Orlando left it late in midweek though, as it was not until the 92nd minute that Kyle Smith was able to break the deadlock in order to secure three points for his team.

The result moved them into fifth place in the Eastern Conference, and considering they are just a single point behind Philadelphia in first, there is a possibility of a major climb with another win this weekend.

The Lions have struggled for goals though this season, with no team in the playoff positions of the Eastern Conference having scored fewer times than them.

Austin FC Major League Soccer form:

Austin FC form (all competitions):

Orlando City Major League Soccer form:

Orlando City form (all competitions):

Team News

Brad Stuver was able to return in goal against Los Angeles FC in Austin's last game, which was a welcomed boost after he had been missing with a knee issue.

Outside of that, the starting lineup could end up being kept the same, especially since Daniel Pereira remains absent due to suspension.

The visitors are going to be missing Antonio Carlos and Tesho Akindele due to thigh problems, but after Silvester van der Water just missed out on their previous game, he should be available this time out.

Smith could be in contention for a place in the starting lineup this weekend after scoring as a substitute against Toronto, while the experience of Alexandre Pato could also be called upon from the first whistle this time.

Austin FC possible starting lineup:

Stuver; Lima, Cascante, Gabrielsen, Kolmanic; Ring, Valencia; Wolff, Druissi, Fagundez; Urruti

Orlando City possible starting lineup:

Gallese; Teixeira, Schlegel, Jansson, Moutinho; Perea, Araujo; Torres, Pereyra, Urso; Pato

We say: Austin FC 2-1 Orlando City

Both of these teams have had strong starts to the season, showcasing why they are threats to win silverwear at the end of the campaign.

This one should be a closely fought contest because of that, but with Austin having the home advantage they head into the game as the favourites.

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