Nashville SC Match Preview

Orlando City faces off against the other 2020 expansion team in their 7th game of the season.

Here we go again. Four days after facing Inter Miami, Orlando City faces off against the other 2020 expansion side Nashville SC. Hopefully, we don't suffer the same fate we suffered against Inter Miami. Luckily, I think the guys will have that last performance fresh in their minds and will be thinking about it as they take the field at Exploria Stadium for the first time since February 29th.

Three Keys

1. Overload the left

I had a really good discussion with @daveytshep for the Nashville preview podcast and he outlined Nashville's right-back position as a major weakness in their side, going as far as to say that 4 of their 5 conceded goals this season can be attributed to whoever was playing in that position. Fortunately for us, our best player plays down that same side. We need to get Nani on the ball to let him work his magic against Nashville's weakness.

When I say magic, we all know what I mean. While I have been hard on him for his overall play, his output has been nothing short of SPECTACULAR. In Nani's last eight games for the club, he has eight direct goal contributions. That is, again, spectacular. We must attack their weak point with our strongpoint.

2. Watch out for pace on the counter

Nashville are a team with pacey forward players who can hurt us on the counter-attack. We must be aware of that and make sure we are not caught out because if we are, we will not get back (unless it's on Ruan's side of course). This is not only relevant for their starters either. They can bring on the likes of Accam and Danladi to run at full speed at our tired legs. Watch out for their pace on the break.

3. How will we react?

How we react to Saturday's result and performance will be key in how this game plays out. If we come out slow and sulky, we may see a repeat of Saturday. If we come out looking to avenge our last performance, we might just be okay.

Time: 7:30 PM EST

Where to Watch: Fox 35 Plus, ESPN+ (out-of-market)

Stadium: Exploria Stadium

Team News (ORL): Dwyer (out), Aias (unavailable)

Team News (NSH): Tribbet (out), Medranda (out)

Predicted Lineup: (4-2-3-1) Gallese, Ruan, Carlos, Jansson, Moutinho, Mendez, Urso, Mueller, Pereyra, Nani, Dike

Score Prediction: 2-0 Win

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'Til next time, this has been Gavin Rushnell and #VamosOrlando