Preview: Nashville SC vs. FC Cincinnati – Prediction, team news, lineups

Nashville, TN will enter the Major League Soccer games this weekend, against FC Cincinnatiis just one point behind the play-off places and is striving to secure its place despite a turbulent season.

The hosts will have to do their best to beat their guests, who have already secured their play-off place and are now fighting for further success.

Game Preview

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For Nashville SC, every point is crucial heading into this game. The team is currently 12th in the Eastern Conference with 32 points from 29 games and is just one point out of a possible playoff spot, which further increases the pressure.

With only a handful of games left in the regular season, Nashville will need to develop consistency to close the gap on teams like DC United and Philadelphia Union that are directly ahead of them in the standings.

The hosts come into this game buoyed by a crucial 1-0 home win over Chicago Fire and a 2-0 away victory at Atlanta United. They are their first two consecutive wins after a difficult stretch of five straight defeats, which has revived their playoff hopes.

The key to their revival has been a stronger defense, as they managed to keep a clean sheet in their two most recent wins, something they will need to repeat against a high-scoring Cincinnati side.

Before their recent resurgence, Nashville went through a difficult stretch marked by a 3-0 away loss to Orlando City, a 2-0 home loss to Austin FC and another 3-0 loss to Philadelphia Union that exposed their weaknesses in defense, but their last two wins suggest they may have turned things around just in time.

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FC Cincinnati enters this weekend's clash as second in the Eastern Conference, with 55 points from 29 games, including 17 wins, four draws and eight losses, as well as a goal difference of 50 scored and 37 conceded.

Having secured their playoff spot, Cincinnati are now aiming to win the Supporters' Shield, although they are eight points behind leaders Inter Miami.

FC Cincy's recent form has been mixed: a dominant 4-1 home win over Montreal was followed by a 2-1 away win at Minnesota United and a 0-0 home draw with Columbus Crew. However, they also lost 2-0 to Inter Miami and 3-1 to the New York Red Bulls.

The Orange and Blues' record against Nashville SC is a challenging one, with just two MLS wins, including one away, as well as two draws and three losses. Their last triumph was last season. This could give them a psychological boost as they look to build on recent successes and assert their dominance over a Nashville side plagued by inconsistency.

Cincinnati have won three of their last five away games, but recent losses to the New York Red Bulls and Inter Miami are cause for concern heading into this match. Important away wins are vital to maintain their high position in the Conference and aim for the Supporters' Shield.

Nashville SC Major League Soccer form:

Nashville SC form (all competitions):

FC Cincinnati Major League Soccer form:

FC Cincinnati form (all competitions):

Team News

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Nashville SC will be missed Tyler Boyd, Randall Leal And Luke MacNaughton due to knee, hip and ankle injuries.

Additionally, Sean Davis, Jakob Schäffelburg And Dru Yearwood are all listed as questionable, with their availability for the game potentially impacted by knee and lower-body issues.

Cincinnati must Nick Hagglund, Isaiah Foster, Alec Can And Matt Miazga due to leg, knee and hip injuries.

Luciano Acosta has been FC Cincy's most influential player so far this season, with 11 goals and 9 assists. His creativity and ability to influence games make him a constant threat and he will undoubtedly be a key figure to keep an eye on in this clash.

Possible starting lineup for Nashville SC:
Willis; Moore, Zimmerman, Maher, Lovitz; Godoy, Anunga; Muyi, Mukhtar, Surridge; Bunbury

Possible starting eleven for FC Cincinnati:
Celentano; Awaziem, Robinson, Murphy; Yedlin, Nwobodo, Bucha, Orellano; Acosta, Kelsy; Kubo

We think: Nashville SC 1-3 FC Cincinnati

The game should be a closely contested one, with Cincinnati's stronger attack potentially giving them an advantage despite their defensive woes, although the hosts will be expected to put up a determined fight to protect their streak. FC Cincinnati's goal threat should be more than enough to secure the win.

Click here to see a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match.

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