Orlando City look to make it four wins out of four in their new home when they face the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday.
Orlando City come into Saturday’s match fresh off a fine defensive display in a 1-0 win over the New York Red Bulls. The Lions are in second place in the Eastern Conference, winning three out of four to start the season.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy have struggled early, winning two of their first five matches, but will have gained confidence after recording a 2-0 home win over Montreal in their last outing.
Last time the two sides met.
Orlando City
Orlando has been bitten by the injury bug to start the season, with Nocerino being the latest victim. They will additionally be without Matías Pérez García after he received a one-game suspension for violent conduct against the Red Bulls.
Nocerino is currently listed as day-to-day after he suffered a calf strain in the win over New York. Servando Carrasco, who supplied last week’s game-winner, will likely get the nod again to fill Nocerino’s position. Star man Kaka remains out.
The Lion’s most pressing issue is an inefficiency in the final third, and the need for the supporting cast to provide more help to Cyle Larin in the goals department. After starting in a diamond 4-4-2 last week for the first time, the loss of Pérez García will likely force Jason Kreis to tweak the lineup.
While Orlando has struggled to find the back of the net, scoring only four goals thus far, the defense has been the backbone of their strong start, a pleasant surprise following last year’s defensive struggles.
Los Angeles Galaxy
The Galaxy still seem to be searching for an identity in the 2017 season. For the first time in recent memory they are without a stable of big-name players, but they do possess solid parts in the likes of Jermaine Jones (at times a liability, to be sure), Giovani dos Santos, Gyasi Zardes, and Romain Alessandrini.
Zardes made his return last week from a knee injury and will be looking to return to his best form. Alessandrini, the Galaxy’s newest designated player, has arguably been the side’s best player. The 28-year-old Frenchman has notched three goals and two assists, accounting for all but two of the Galaxy’s seven goals.
As previously noted, the Jonathan Spector-led Orlando back line has been stout, allowing only three goals so far, so the Galaxy could find it tough to find the net in front of a raucous crowd. Look for the Galaxy to utilize the speed of dos Santos and Zardes to get in behind Orlando’s defense.
Predicted Lineups
Orlando City
Los Angeles Galaxy
Prediction
Orlando will continue to perform well defensively and will stay unbeaten at home, but the Galaxy will find a way to grind out a positive result on the road.
What is your prediction? Let us know in the comment section below.
How to watch
Kickoff: Saturday, 3:00 EST on FOX (coverage begins at 2:30 EST)