Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution will be looking to avoid sitting bottom of the Eastern Conference standings when they square off on Wednesday night.
While the home side currently hold that position, just three points cover the bottom five teams in the division.
Match preview
Having started the campaign with a seven-game undefeated streak, no-one could have foreseen Philadelphia sitting in last place 16 matches later.
Just one victory - ironically away at their upcoming opponents - has been recorded since the middle of April, and the pressure is inevitably mounting on Jim Curtin.
The saving grace is that The Union somehow only sit six points adrift of eighth position, a spot that would enable them to feature in the end-of-season playoffs.
Curtin will take some optimism from Philadelphia recently earning a goalless draw with fourth-placed New York Red Bulls, as well as pushing Toronto last time out.
Only a late comeback from the Canadian side prevented Philadelphia from earning a morale-boosting success, yet positives will come from the 2-1 reverse at they prepare for this contest.
Opponents New England Revolution have spent their own fair share of time at the foot of the standings, only kick-starting their campaign in recent weeks.
Since the beginning of June, an impressive five victories have been posted in eight outings, although the Revs have also lost three of their last four.
Like his opposite number, Caleb Porter will feel that all is not lost in the race for the playoffs, New England one point ahead of their hosts with two matches in hand.
Just nine goals have been scored in their nine away fixtures, yet their nine-point return is better than five other teams despite playing fewer matches.
Team News
Before changes were made against Toronto, Philadelphia were ahead, and that may encourage Curtin to retain the same starting lineup.
Quinn Sullivan is in contention for a recall in attack, potentially replacing Mikael Uhre who was withdrawn before the hour mark on his first appearance in three weeks.
Nathan Harriel and Jack McGlynn are on international duty with the USA at the Olympics, while Isaiah LeFlore is again expected to miss out through injury.
As for New England, Mark-Anthony Kaye could be restored to the midfield ahead of Tommy McNamara.
Xavier Arreaga should come back into the centre of defence having served a one-game ban, with Henry Kessler possibly dropping down to the substitutes' bench.
Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Rick; Glesnes, Elliott, Lowe; Mbaizo, Bueno, Flach, Wagner; Gazdag; Baribo, Uhre
New England Revolution possible starting lineup:
Ivacic; Bye, Arreaga, Romney, Jones; Harkes, Polster, Kaye; Bajraktarevic, Panayoutou; Vrioni
We say: Philadelphia Union 2-2 New England Revolution
With the regular season close to entering its business end, this could prove to be a pivotal fixture. The teams have contrasting attacking records, yet we feel that a thriller could play out, one which benefits no-one in an entertaining draw.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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