Sports Mole previews Saturday's Major League Soccer clash between FC Cincinnati and Charlotte FC, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Two teams in the bottom half of the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference meet this weekend as FC Cincinnati welcome Charlotte FC to the TQL Stadium.

The visitors are currently 12th in the division, meanwhile the hosts are undefeated in their previous six matches.

Match preview

Matt Miazga in action for FC Cincinnati on August 27, 2022 © Reuters

FC Cincinnati are currently just outside of the playoff positions, and with only one point keeping them out of that, the squad will be confident that they can push in.

The team have been dominant in ensuring that they do not drop points as late, which has allowed them to create a six-game unbeaten run.

However, while Pat Noonan will be pleased with those results, he will also be wanting to see more from his team due to the fact only one of those games has resulted in three points.

That victory took place against Philadelphia Union, and since then there has been a trio of draws, including their most recent outing against Columbus Crew.

The 2-2 draw was one that left Cincinnati disappointed due to the fact they were leading on two separate occasions, ultimately conceding the equaliser in the 96th minute.

Brandt Bronico in action for Charlotte FC on August 21, 2022 © Reuters

Charlotte will be hoping that they can push to the last minute themselves this weekend as they try to get themselves back to winning ways as well.

The situation is a little more serious for the Crown due to the fact they are third from bottom right now, with only seven points keeping them off the foot of the table.

The visitors are coming into this game on the back of two defeats in a row with Orlando City and Toronto securing three points at their expense.

Their loss against the Canadian club was a disappointing one as Charlotte did not even score a goal throughout the 90 minutes.

Away from home they have been a lot weaker this season, winning just two games compared to the eight they achieved at home, which is something that the squad will be aware of heading into this one.

FC Cincinnati Major League Soccer form:

Charlotte FC Major League Soccer form:

Team News

Brandon Vazquez in action for FC Cincinnati on August 27, 2022 © Reuters

The hosts have been missing both Beckham Sunderland and Kenneth Vermeer recently due to injuries, and once again they are expected to be unavailable.

Sergio Santos is another that has been unavailable for Cincinnati, as he has now been sidelined for eight games in a row.

Nuno Santos and Nathan Byrne have not been options for Charlotte as of late due to the fact that they need to have their visas sorted, which is something the club will want to be done before this weekend.

Adam Armour is someone the visitors will absolutely be without as well due to the fact he recently underwent knee surgery.

FC Cincinnati possible starting lineup:
Celentano; Hagglund, Cameron, Miazga; Powell, Moreno, Acosta, Nwobodo, Barreal; Vazquez, Brenner

Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:
Kahlina; Lindsey, Walkes, Sobocinski, Fuchs; Bender; Gaines, Bronico, Reyna; Jozwiak, Swiderski

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We say: FC Cincinnati 2-0 Charlotte FC

FC Cincinnati have been brilliant recently in putting together an undefeated run of six games, and as they try to push for the playoff positions that is the form they need.

Stepping up to secure three points is something that could take place in this one, with Charlotte being one of the weaker teams throughout the season so far.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.