Preview: DC United vs. Colorado Rapids - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors are without a victory in their previous five matches, which sets up a game between two sides low on confidence.

Match preview

Wayne Rooney's men were finally able to snap their streak without a win in midweek after a 2-1 victory over New York City, which they are now keen to repeat.

Ola Kamara and Steve Birnbaum got themselves on the scoresheet to secure that result, but it was not enough to lift them off the foot of the table.

DC United are six points behind Chicago Fire right now, and that is a gap that they will be confident of being able to close, especially fresh off a win.

The Black-and-Red have been slightly stronger at home throughout this season, which is another positive aspect they have heading into this game.

However, they also have the worst goal difference of any time in the MLS this season, which is a cause for concern that Rooney must address.

Even though a lot of the attention has been on the hosts when it comes to poor form as of late, Colorado Rapids have been putting together a run that they will want to forget as of late as well.

The visitors have failed to win in their previous five outings in the MLS, and that is a run that has seen the squad lose three times.

Their previous two matches have both ended in defeats, and they have been heavy ones at that, conceding a total of 10 goals across them.

A 6-0 loss against Philadelphia Union was followed up by a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Nashville SC in midweek, despite the fact it was 1-1 at halftime following Gyasi Zardes' goal.

The recent performances have left Robin Fraser with plenty to think about, with the Colorado Rapids boss keen to not see his team dragged further down the table.

DC United Major League Soccer form:

Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer form:

Team News

Christian Benteke made his debut for DC United in midweek after appearing from the bench, and the former Crystal Palace striker could be used from the start this time around.

However, after Rooney's team were able to pick up a victory in midweek the ex-Derby County boss may opt to make no changes and stick with the winning mentality.

Gustavo Vallecilla will now be available to the visitors once again after serving his suspension in midweek, and he could be slotted straight back into the team this time around.

Aboubacar Keita and Oliver Larraz are two players that Colorado will be without though, as both men are dealing with knee issues at the moment.

DC United possible starting lineup:

Ochoa; Odoi-Atsem, Pines, Birnbaum, Najar; Rodriguez, Canouse, Palsson, Durkin; Benteke Kamara

Colorado Rapids possible starting lineup:

Yarbrough; Rosenberry, Abubakar, Wilson, Esteves; Acosta, Warner; Lewis, Gutierrez, Barrios; Zardes

We say: DC United 1-0 Colorado Rapids

Both of these teams have been struggling for form as of late, but after DC United secured a victory in their most recent outing this could provide the perfect game for them to repeat the feat.

Wayne Rooney will be confident that his team can go and push for a consecutive win, especially with the home crowd advantage.

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