Match Previews: MLS Week 4

Week 4 of the 2015/16 season coincides with the worldwide international break. This means that many clubs will field changed lineups due to players being away with their countries. No side is affected more by this than Orlando City, who have 7 players away from their roster.

So, here is some information you need to know about the upcoming games. All kickoff times ET.

New England Revolution vs San Jose Earthquakes (3:00 PM)

The Revolution host the Earthquakes, to kick off this weekends games. Having not scored yet despite now being Week 4, the Rev’s are under pressure to start delivering the goods. Their task is not made easier by a number of injuries depleting their options, notably Kevin Alston and Jermaine Jones. San Jose on the other hand are coming off back to back victories so are in a great position to carry on their good start to the season.

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Montreal Impact vs Orlando City (4:00 PM)

The Florida side travel to Montreal to face the Impact, and face the prospect of their first ever back to back league defeat in any league they have played in, having lost last week at home to Vancouver. Orlando who are missing a total of 7 players through injury and international call ups which the Impact will want to make sure they take advantage of. This game should therefore see some good performances from squad players who can use this game to stake a claim for more game-time.

DC United vs LA Galaxy (7:00 PM)

The two most decorated clubs in MLS history will do battle this weekend, and there is a huge opportunity for a DC win with the Galaxy without star players such as Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes. There is still the issue of a shaky defense from DC, so Keane’s backup Edson Buddle will no doubt see a chance to capitalize. Always going to be a good game, this one should be no different despite the missing big names.

New York City vs Sporting Kansas City (7:00 PM)

New York City head coach Jason Kreis faces his old club for the first time since leaving Kansas to become the first head coach in New York City’s history. New York remain unbeaten, although Kansas have not yet managed to score a goal this season. The exclusion of Mix Diskerued from the USMNT means New York still have some first choice threat, with Adam Nemec and Khiry Shelton both unavailable due to international duty. This means Patrick Mullins could start alongside David Villa. Kansas are without Roger Espinoza and Marcel De Jong.

Columbus Crew vs New York Red Bulls (7:30 PM)

The Red Bulls go on the road to Ohio, with both teams fielding changed lineups due to missing players through international call ups. Red Bull’s Bradley Wright-Phillips will be hoping to get on the score sheet again having netted in their previous game against DC United. The Crew will be hoping to stop that from happening. You can check out our full match preview here.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers (8.00 PM)

Hoping to finally win after only drawing so far, the Timbers travel to BC Place to face in form Vancouver. The hosts have registered back to back road victories and look to make that translate into a win at home. However they are missing Rodriguez and Manneh through suspension. The Whitecaps will also miss Mattocks who is on international duty.

Houston Dynamo vs Colorado Rapids (8:30 PM)

Yet another game where the Rapids will be desperate to finally break their scoreless streak. The Dynamo have are 1-1-1 this season, and with the Rapids under increasing pressure to actually get a win despite remaining undefeated, this Western Conference clash may not be an attractive game but is no less important.

FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders (8:30 PM)

Dallas are undefeated so far, and hope to maintain that streak against the Sounders. However leading goalscorer Blas Perez is on international duty with Panama. The visiting team have a number of absences, including Clint Dempsey through injury and Marco Pappa. Despite missing key players both teams remain very strong so this should be a game to look forward to.

SUNDAY MARCH 29

Chicago Fire vs Philadelphia Union (5:00 PM)

It’s been a tough start to the season in Chicago, having lost all three games so far and have a goal difference of -4 to make things worse. If things couldn’t get any worse than they already are, the Fire are without their Designated Player’s Shaun Maloney and David Accam. The Union have fared slightly better, only losing one but drawing their other two.

Real Salt Lake vs Toronto FC (7:00 PM)

Both teams are suffering from the international break, although Toronto Fans will be happy to see Jozy Altidore scoring for the USMNT in the week, and a good shift from Michael Bradley too. Salt Lake are missing Nick Rimando and Luis Gil among others. Toronto come in off a defeat to the Whitecaps and Salt Lake after a 3-3 draw with the Union. Here is some more on this matchup.

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