Djordje Mihailović aims to build on his recent goal-scoring form as "Colorado Rapids" host "Austin FC" in a crucial MLS matchup this weekend. The midfielder found the net in Rapids' 2-1 defeat to "Portland Timbers" but couldn't prevent his team from slipping to a disappointing loss.
Colorado's offensive struggles have become a worrying trend. They've managed just 4 goals in their previous six matches while conceding 8 during that same stretch. Not exactly the kind of numbers that inspire confidence, right?
Rafael Navarro will be looking to recapture the form that saw him score the winner when these teams last met in March. That tight 1-0 victory for "Colorado Rapids" maintained their recent dominance in this fixture, having won 3 of their last 6 meetings with "Austin FC".
Meanwhile, "Austin FC" arrive following their own disappointing result - a defeat at the hands of "San Diego FC". The visitors have been involved in low-scoring affairs lately, with their last 5 games averaging just 2 goals in total.
Interestingly, the head-to-head record between these sides has produced 13 goals in their last 6 encounters, averaging 2.17 per game. Their March meeting saw Colorado successfully shut down an Austin attack that dominated possession (59%) but couldn't convert their 19 attempts into goals.
Nicholas Defreitas is expected to start in goal for the home side, with coach Chris Armas likely deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Mihailović in an attacking midfield role. For the visitors, Brad Stuver should continue between the posts with a predicted 4-4-2 setup.
Can Austin break their scoring drought against a Colorado side that has had their number recently? The form guide suggests another tight affair with Colorado possibly edging it by the narrowest of margins.
