Preview: Colorado Rapids vs. Orlando City - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors are enjoying a slightly stronger season so far, and they head into the match fresh from defeating Inter Miami in their most recent encounter.

Match preview

Colorado Rapids are in the midst of a difficult patch after going five games in a row without picking up a victory, adding pressure to the squad overall.

Right now they are 12th in the MLS Western division, and they only sit a single point above the foot of the table, with another defeat potentially opening the door for them to be overtaken.

Robin Fraser's men showcased their ability to fight until the last minute in their most recent game though as they secured a point by drawing 2-2 against Real Salt Lake.

Despite the fact that they went two-nil down, a penalty from Diego Rubio and an 89th-minute goal by Lalas Abubakar helped provide a positive result overall.

While Colorado have not won a single game away from home yet this season, at DSG Park they have been a lot more dominant, winning five times, drawing twice, and only suffering two defeats to this point.

Because the hosts have been so strong in front of their own fans, there will be plenty of pressure on Orlando City to step up and provide a top performance if they want to take any points from this game.

The visitors head into this one with confidence and momentum after securing three points in their most recent outing at the weekend against Inter Miami.

However, they were made to work hard for that victory, and it took a 92nd-minute own goal from Damion Lowe to break the deadlock between them.

Oscar Pareja's team have been one of the lowest-scoring teams in the top half of the Eastern division, but that has not stopped them from picking up points throughout the campaign.

A victory could see them progress further up the table depending on other results, which provides plenty for Orlando to compete for.

Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer form:

Colorado Rapids form (all competitions):

Orlando City Major League Soccer form:

Team News

Jack Price was unavailable due to injury for Colorado Rapids in their most recent game, which was a major blow for them due to how often he has been used throughout the season.

Oliver Larraz, Braian Galvan and Aboubacar Keita are all also injured right now, stretching the squad even further as they aim to get away from the bottom of the league.

Mason Stajduhar is out of action at the moment for Orlando due to an injury, but after Pedro Gallese kept a clean sheet at the weekend, there should be no problems with him starting again.

The visitors did struggle for goals in the game against Inter Miami, and that could see Alexandre Pato's experience be called upon from the first minute rather than as a substitute this time.

Colorado Rapids possible starting lineup:

Yarbrough; Rosenberry, Abubakar, Wilson, Beitashour; Acosta; Lewis, Rubio, Alves, Nicholson; Zardes

Orlando City possible starting lineup:

Gallese; Teixeira, Schlegel, Jannson, Smith; Araujo; Torres, Urso, Pereyra, Michel; Pato

We say: Colorado Rapids 1-2 Orlando City

Colorado Rapids might be struggling for form right now, but they are putting in plenty of great performances at home this season, which should make this a close and competitive game.

Despite that, Orlando City have been a stronger team throughout this season, and that is something that should provide the difference for them to get three points.

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