Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the stand-out fixtures of the upcoming USL Championship matchday will be played on Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park, where the local North Carolina side hosts Louisville City. Here’s my pick for the outcome of this clash, featuring a tempting odds value.
Match preview
North Carolina enters this match in great form, having secured a string of crucial wins, including an away victory over Hartford Athletic and home triumphs against Oakland Roots and Orange County SC. The team has been consistent, especially on home turf, where they've lost just once so far this season.
However, the recent 1-2 defeat to Rhode Island serves as a reminder that slip-ups can happen and focus must be maintained. Despite occasional setbacks, North Carolina knows how to capitalize on their chances, as shown by their high-scoring recent performances. The squad boasts a solid defense and the ability to launch rapid counter-attacks, making them a dangerous opponent for any team in the league.
Louisville City, meanwhile, has been impressive on the road, winning the majority of their recent away games, including victories over Birmingham and Rhode Island. The team continues to play dynamic, attacking football, as evidenced by their frequent goals in recent fixtures.
It's no surprise Louisville sits atop the Eastern Conference standings. Away from home, Louisville City typically plays compact and disciplined football, aiming to minimize risks and strike on the counter. Their smart energy management is reflected in a string of away draws and wins.
Probable lineups
- North Carolina: McGuire J., Sundstrom F., Washington B., Craig P., Rafa Mentzingen, Martin K., Maldonado M., Burne P., Pedro Becker, Perez L., Lakhurst A.
- Louisville City: Las D., Goodrum P., Serrano R., Ordonez A., Toch S., Wilson J., Davila T., Perez E., Dia A., Adams K., Davila E.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Louisville City has won each of the last five head-to-head encounters
- The most recent North Carolina home fixture against Louisville City ended 4-6 in favor of Louisville
- Both teams have shown strong attacking form, scoring in most of their recent matches.
Prediction
Expect a tense, high-scoring affair with Louisville City holding a slight edge thanks to their consistency and firepower. The prediction here is “Both teams to score” at odds of 1.67.
