Atlanta UnitedThe search for a playoff spot comes down to the wire as they travel to the Inter & Co Stadium to face each other Orlando City in the MLS regular season finale on Saturday.

The Five Stripes are one of three teams fighting for the final two playoff spots, and while they don't need to drop points here, they need two more results in their favor to clinch postseason football.

Game preview

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Orlando City continues to gain momentum ahead of its playoff campaign, picking up a 3-1 win over FC Cincinnati just before the international break when the two teams faced off at TQL Stadium.

Luciano Acosta Shortly before halftime he scored the equalizer Ramiro Enrique'S opener in the 10th minute and a draw against Cincinnati, but Ivan Angulo He shot the visitors into the lead in the 66th minute before Enrique capped a brilliant individual performance with his second goal.

Orlando City has now won three straight, beating Dallas, Philadelphia Union and Cincinnati, and has won all but one of its last seven games, with a narrow 4-3 loss to Columbus Crew on September 23 being the exception represented.

Oscar ParejaNew York City's men have picked up 52 points from their 33 league games and are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference table, two points ahead of fifth-placed New York City FC. They will need maximum points this weekend to secure a top-four spot and win the home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Orlando will be confident that the job will get done this weekend as they return home where they are riding a four-game winning streak and are undefeated in seven straight games. They have six wins and one draw since a 3-1 loss to Los Angeles FC on June 16.

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With their playoff dreams hanging in the balance, Atlanta United secured a much-needed win just before the international break when they beat the New York Red Bulls 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium two Sundays ago.

After a scoreless first half, the Five Stripes took advantage of their numerical advantage Dylan Nealis received a red card in the 66th minute Aleksei Miranchuk And Tyler Wolff hit the target beforehand Serge Ngoma The consolation goal for the Red Bulls came in the 13th minute of added time.

Previously, Atlanta United had been winless in five games and had managed just one win in nine straight games in all competitions. There were three draws and eight defeats, including two consecutive defeats against DC United and Santos Laguna in the League Cup group stages.

Rob ValentinoThe Manchester team has won just nine MLS games before decision day, lost 14 and drawn 10, collected 37 points and sits 12th in the Eastern Conference table, level on points with Toronto FC and Philadelphia Union.

Atlanta United are three points behind ninth-placed CF Montreal, but their significantly better goal difference means they could qualify for the play-in round with all three points at Inter & Co Stadium and do well elsewhere.

Orlando City's Major League Soccer form:

Atlanta United Major League Soccer form:

Team news

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Orlando has to do without it Rodrigo Schlegel and 30-year-old midfielder Wilder Cartagenawho are currently suspended after exceeding the yellow card threshold with their yellow cards against Cincinnati last time out.

As for the injured, the Lions will go on the field without them Dagur Dan Thorhallsson and goalkeeper Mason Stajduharboth of whom had to take a break due to leg injuries.

Slovenian defender David Brekalo has missed each of the last six games as he recovers from a hamstring problem and the 26-year-old will not play a role this weekend.

Atlanta United remains without the duo Xande Silva and French midfielder Tristan Muyumbawho are recovering from foot or knee injuries.

Experienced goalkeeper Quentin Westberg continues his long spell on the sidelines after suffering a head injury and the 38-year-old will not play a role in this weekend's encounter as he follows concussion protocol.

Possible Orlando City starting lineup:
Gaulish; Smith, Petrasso, Jansson, Santos; Araujo, Lodeiro; Torres, Muriel, Angulo; Enrique

Possible Atlanta United starting lineup:
Guzan; Hernandez, Gregersen, Williams, Amador; Slisz, Miranchuk, Fortune; Lobzhanidze, Thiare, Mosquera

We say: Orlando City 2:1 Atlanta United

As Atlanta's quest for playoff football comes down to the final minute, Orlando City will look to secure all three points and secure a spot in the top four in the East. While we expect both teams to give their best at the Inter & Co Stadium, we are confident that the Lions will record their fifth home win in a row.

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