Vancouver Whitecaps travel to Austin FC on Saturday night looking to bolster their position at the top of the Western Conference table.
Meanwhile, the home side head into this encounter sitting in the mid-table positions, 10 points adrift of the leaders having played one game more.
Match preview
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After last season's eighth-placed finish, few people associated with Vancouver Whitecaps would have anticipated such a strong start to this campaign.
As well as reaching the final of the Concacaf Champions Cup, the Canadian giants sit in first place of the Western Conference by four points with a match in hand.
A total of 27 points have been accumulated from 12 fixtures, their solitary defeat coming back on March 23, and they are now on an 11-game unbeaten streak in all competitions.
On a negative note, Jesper Sorensen's side were held to a 2-2 draw by Los Angeles FC last time out, albeit having come from two goals down to earn a share of the spoils.
Furthermore, four of the 10 goals that they have conceded in MLS this season have come in the last three games, something that will only hand encouragement to their hosts.
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Austin have already suffered a 5-1 reverse at the hands of the Whitecaps as recently as April 13, ending what was then a four-match undefeated run.
Since then, just four points have been collected from their most recent five fixtures, the solitary win during that period coming at home to bottom-placed LA Galaxy.
A three-game winless streak was ended last time out as they drew 1-1 at home to Atlanta United, albeit with their opponents equalising in the closing stages.
With just nine goals to their name from 13 fixtures, it is clear where Nico Estevez's side must improve, eight MLS games passing by since they last scored twice in a match.
Team News
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Estevez may be prepared to stick with his Austin XI from the last game given that Atlanta's equaliser came in the 91st minute.
Jader Obrian is an alternative for the final third, while Zan Kolmanic was dropped for the previous game and is an option at left-back.
Brandon Vazquez has netted four of Austin's nine goals this campaign and will start down the middle of the attack.
Meanwhile, Ali Ahmed came off the substitutes' bench to supply his fifth assist for Vancouver Whitecaps against Los Angeles FC and could earn a start on the right flank.
Emmanuel Sabbi is also pushing for a recall but Sorensen is unlikely to overly-tinker with his first XI.
Austin FC possible starting lineup:
Stuver; Gallagher, Svatok, Cascante, Biro; Wolff, Sanchez, Sabovic; Uzuni, Vazquez, Bukari
Vancouver Whitecaps possible starting lineup:
Takaoka; Ocampo, Blackmon, Veselinovic, Johnson; Berhalter, Cubas, Ngando; Ahmed, White, Nelson
We say: Austin FC 0-2 Vancouver Whitecaps
Given their measly goalscoring record, Austin are up against it in this contest. While it may remain competitive for a time, we are backing the visitors to come through in professional fashion.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
