Charlotte FC will lock horns against DC United in an MLS Eastern Conference showdown at the Bank of America Stadium. Both sides have had their problems lately, but the hosts will come into this clash banking on a solid home record.
Charlotte head into this clash off the back of a 2-0 home victory over New York City in their previous MLS fixture. That was a timely return to winning ways for Dean Smith’s men, who had suffered three defeats and played out one draw in their previous four matches.
The good news for Charlotte is that their home form has remained solid this season. That win over New York City means they are now unbeaten in eight of their last 10 matches, picking up seven wins on this run.
Meanwhile, DC United’s recent form is worse as they are winless in their last six matches. They have suffered five defeats in that run and were beaten 2-1 at LA Galaxy in their previous fixture.
That loss to the LA Galaxy means DC United are also winless in six of their last seven away matches. Troy Lesesne's men have been beaten five times on this run, with a 5-2 US Open Cup thrashing at Nashville among their results.
How the bookies view it: Charlotte are clear favourites
Charlotte are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 8/13 by BoyleSports to claim the win. An unlikely victory for DC United is valued at 16/5 while a draw is set at odds of 14/5.
Head to head: Charlotte have the edge
Charlotte have claimed four wins while DC United have earned two victories, with both teams battling to two draws in eight previous matches. Both teams battled to a 3-3 draw in a US Open fixture in May.
Players to watch: Spotlight on Biel
Pep Biel carries a major attacking threat from midfield and has scored seven goals for Charlotte this season. With the returning Patrick Agyemang also scoring six times this term, both men can combine to produce over 1.5 goals – priced at 11/20 with BoyleSports.
Christian Benteke remains the main man up front for DC United and will be keen to add to his 15 league goals. Gabriel Pirani has found the net three times and can help ensure the visitors produce over 0.5 goals – offered at 4/11.
Probable line-ups:
Charlotte are set to welcome back their CONCACAF Gold Cup contingent, with Tim Ream and Patrick Agyemang expected to feature. Biel should retain his place in the team, while Ashley Westwood should also earn a starting berth.
Lukas McNaughton and Fletcher Kristian remain sidelined for DC United and are expected to miss this clash. Benteke and Brandon Servania are both expected to feature in attack, David Schnegg should start at the back.
Charlotte FC: Kahlina, Ream, Privett, Malanda, Marshall-Rutty, Zaha, Westwood, Bronico, Vargas, Biel, Agyemang
DC United: Barraza; Schnegg, Rowles, Bartlett, Herrera, Enow, Peglow, Pirani, Servania, Kijima; Benteke
Anything else catch the eye?
Charlotte have won the first half in their last three matches (Charlotte first half win 6/5 with BoyleSports). The hosts have also scored in both halves in all three fixtures (Charlotte to score in both halves – offered at 13/10).
Three of Charlotte's last four home matches have produced over 3.5 goals – set at odds of 7/4.
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