Charlotte FC – Nashville SC 04/25/05

A fresh southern showdown in MLS is set for Charlotte FC to host Nashville SC at Bank of America Stadium. The hosts have had a terrific start at home, and it seems that it is in their own backyard that Dean Smith's men thrive the most. Nashville, for its part, has shown strength in the beginning, but slipped a bit on a banana peel in the end - and comes to Charlotte with something to prove. With two offensive teams and a stadium that is starting to become a fortress, this looks like a Saturday afternoon where the net could flutter a few times.

Charlotte FC: Ravaging at home

It may be early in the season, but Charlotte has already made it clear that they set the standard at Bank of America Stadium. After 2-0 wins over Cincinnati and 4-1 over San Jose, they are now fully booked and have scored eight goals in three home games. It's a testament to a team with the confidence, rhythm and offensive firepower to make life miserable for any opponent.

New signing Wilfried Zaha has been a sight to behold. The former Premier League star has settled into MLS and is contributing both creativity and finish. Along with youngsters Patrick Agyemang and Liel Abada, Charlotte has suddenly got an attacking trio that can both dance and dunk.

They are coming off a weak away loss (2–0) to the Colorado Rapids, but their home form is rock solid. With the crowd behind them and Zaha in action, there is little doubt that this is a team that can do damage – especially against a Nashville team that has not been rock solid in the past.

Nashville SC: A strong start – but how solid are they really?

After three straight wins and an undefeated record, Nashville's first setback came in the previous round with a 1–2 loss at home to FC Cincinnati. It was a game they never really got under control, and even though J.Bauer scored, it was clear that not everything was right.

Nashville still has a clean sheet on the road this season. They have conceded against both New England and Portland – and that doesn't bode well when they now face a Charlotte team that is scoring goals at home. Center backs Walker Zimmerman and Lukas MacNaughton will have to step up if they are to get any points.

There are bright spots though. Mukhtar is always a worry, and Sam Surridge is dangerous in the box. The problem is that the defence looks less confident than we are used to from Callaghan's men – and that could be costly on Saturday night.

Conclusion: Home strength meets away weakness

Charlotte simply seems to be in the zone on their own turf, and with a Nashville team that is leaking a little backwards on the away field, we think the home team has good chances to get the ball in the goal at least a couple of times.

Both teams have offensive qualities, and if Nashville has to chase first, this could open up the game further. This smells of goals – and perhaps another strong home performance from Charlotte.

Bet suggestions

MLS At 20:30: Charlotte FC – Nashville SC: Over 1.5 goals Charlotte (1.92)

Alternative game:

MLS At 20:30: Charlotte FC - Nashville SC: Over 2.5 goals and both teams score (2.30)