Before the Round – Trends on USA MLS (21/06)

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Major League Soccer will feature a midweek set of fixtures, as the league moves into round No 20. FC Cincinnati lead the overall table in MLS, with 40 points from 17 possible.

In the Western Conference, five teams are separated by just three points at the top of the standings.

New York Red Bulls - Charlotte FC

New York Red Bulls will host Charlotte FC in an Eastern Conference match-up. The Red Bulls are unbeaten in three of four all-time meetings with Charlotte.

Both teams are outside the Eastern Conference playoff places. Charlotte are winless in three straight games in MLS. A poor goal difference has them outside the playoff spots but a win over New York could send them in the top nine.

New York Red Bulls lost two of their last three games. Three of New York Red Bulls' four MLS wins came at home. They do not score many goals at Red Bull Arena. New York scored seven goals in eight fixtures.

• The team of Charlotte FC have conceded an average of 1.83 goals in their matches in Major League Soccer.
• In 4 of New York Red Bull's last 6 matches, there have been under 2.5 goals scored.
• Charlotte FC lost 4 of their last 6 matches.
• New York Red Bulls have lost just 2 of their last 6 games in Major League Soccer.
• Prediction: Over 2.5 goals

Orlando City SC - Philadelphia Union

Orlando City and Philadelphia Union will also play in an Eastern Conference match. The teams split their last six meetings three wins apiece. The clubs played earlier this season, with Orlando City winning 2-1. All three goals came in the opening 17 minutes.

Both teams go into the game following a defeat in MLS play. Orlando City lost 3-1 at New England Revolution. The loss ended a two-game winning streak.

Philadelphia Union lost 2-1 at San Jose Earthquakes. The loss ended a four-game winning streak for the Union. Orlando City are unbeaten in four straight home matches.

• There are no losses for Orlando City SC in 6 of their most recent 7 games (Major League Soccer).
• In their last 10 games in Major League Soccer, Philadelphia Union have recorded 9 undefeated encounters.
• Orlando City SC have scored an average of 1.2 goals in their last 20 games.
• Philadelphia Union have scored at least one goal against Orlando City SC in their last 9 league games.
• Prediction: Both teams to score

Austin FC - FC Dallas

Austin FC will host FC Dallas in a Texas Derby. FC Dallas are unbeaten in five of their last six games versus Austin. Dallas won earlier this season thanks to an 89th-minute goal from Jesus Ferreira.

The Hoops are three points off Western Conference leader St Louis City. However, Dallas are in poor form going into midweek action. They lost three of their last four matches. FC Dallas are on a two-game losing streak away from home.

Austin FC are 12th in the Western Conference. The Oaks lost three of their last four games in MLS. They are currently on a two-game losing streak. Austin have a home record of 3W-3D-3L. They have a goal difference of zero at home.

• Over 2.5 goals were seen in Austin FC's last 4 matches in Major League Soccer.
• FC Dallas's form hasn't been good, as the team has won only 2 of their last 12 away matches (Major League Soccer).
• The average number of goals conceded by Austin FC is 1.59 for their Major League Soccer matches.
• FC Dallas haven't suffered a loss to Austin FC in 6 of their most recent 7 clashes in Major League Soccer.
• Prediction: Over 2.5 goals