I need a point to secure postseason football, DC United Be a host Charlotte FC at Audi Field in the final game of the 2024 MLS regular season on Saturday.

While the visitors have already secured their place in the playoffs, the Black and Reds have secured pole position to qualify for the two-game play-in duel in the East with a series of two wins in the last two games.

Game preview

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DC United picked up three key points in their quest for a playoff spot when they earned a 2-1 victory over New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium two weeks ago.

After Pedro Santos and in-form striker Cristian Benteke Within the first ten minutes they managed to put the ball in the net and give the visitors a commanding lead. However, they had to accept a late comeback Matti Peltola scored an own goal in the 74th minute and halved the deficit.

Previously, DC United ended their three-game winless streak on October 3 when they overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory over Nashville thanks to a close-range finish from Benteke and a brace from Gabriel Pirani within the last 15 minutes.

Troy LesesneThe Manchester team go into Saturday's season finale undefeated in all but one of their last seven games. They picked up four wins and two draws after previously failing to win 12 of the 14 MLS games.

This turnaround at the end of the season has put DC United on track to take one of the two play-in qualification spots with eighth place at the Eastern Conference table40 points tied with ninth-placed CF Montreal.

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Charlotte, meanwhile, continued its strong finish to the regular season, picking up a 2-0 victory over Montreal on October 6 when the two teams faced off at Bank of America Stadium.

Poland's international player Karol Swiderski He maintained his red-hot form in front of goal as he opened the scoring in the 34th minute, putting the hosts ahead Patrick Agyemang secured the result with a goal in the 94th minute.

Charlotte has now gone four games in a row without defeat, picking up three wins and a draw, while scoring 11 goals and keeping two clean sheets since suffering three straight losses to Atalanta United, Montreal and Orlando City.

Dean SmithManchester's men have won 13, lost 11 and drawn nine in their 33 MLS games prior to the final game of the season. They collect 48 points and sit in sixth place in the East, eight points ahead of DC United outside of the guaranteed playoff spots.

While Charlotte will look to end the regular season on a positive note, they will need to show their mettle at Audi Field as they have failed to win their last six away games in all competitions, losing three and drawing three since finishing 3- 3 1 loss to Cincinnati on July 13th.

DC United Major League Soccer form:

Charlotte FC form in Major League Soccer:

Team news

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Swedish defender who served a one-game suspension from the MLS for violent behavior Christopher McVey is cleared to return to action this weekend.

As for the injured, DC United will still be without the services of an American defender Matai Akinmboni and countryman Jackson Hopkinswho had to take a break due to ankle injuries.

Conner Antley has been out of action since suffering a knee injury in May's game against Atlanta United, and the 29-year-old defender is also out of action for this weekend's hosts.

Benteke has had a remarkable season, scoring 23 goals, putting him four goals clear in the Golden Boot race, and the Belgian striker will be looking to add to his tally this weekend.

Charlotte will take the field without the services of the 23-year-old striker Yuri Tavareswho is currently suspended after exceeding the yellow card threshold last time out against Montreal.

As for the injured, the Crown will be without the duo of Jahlane Forbes and the Serbian midfielder Nikola Petkovicwho are currently recovering from hip or knee injuries.

With his opening goal in the last game against Montreal, Swiderski now has four goals and one assist in the last three Crown games and the 27-year-old forward will be one to watch.

Possible DC United starting lineup:
Bono; Stroud, Herrera, Bartlett, Peltola, Santos; Klich, Rodriguez, Pirani, Ku-DiPietro; Benteke

Possible Charlotte FC starting lineup:
Kahlina; Byrne, Malanda, Privett, Ream; Bronico, Westwood, Urso; Biel, Swiderski, Abada

We say: DC United – Charlotte FC 2:1

With their playoff dreams hanging on this weekend's result, we expect DC United to give it their all as they need at least a point to secure postseason football. Charlotte has been on a good run of late, but given their recent away troubles, we're confident the Black and Reds will pull off a narrow win in front of their home fans.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

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