On Wednesday, Toronto FC will face Nashville SC at BMO Field in a pivotal Major League Soccer encounter.
This match sees Toronto, struggling with recent form, hoping to bounce back against a Nashville side showing defensive resilience under new management.
Current Form
Toronto FC
Toronto FC enters this match after a tough 4-1 loss to the Chicago Fire. The Reds have been winless in their last four league games, a stark contrast to their 8-1 thrashing of Saint-Laurent in the Canadian Championship last month.
Despite their recent struggles, they remain in a playoff position in the Eastern Conference with 24 points.
Their home form has been particularly concerning, having lost three of their last four home games, conceding three or more goals in each defeat.
However, Toronto has shown promise in the first halves of these matches, leading or drawing at halftime but faltering in the final 45 minutes.
Nashville SC
Nashville SC, on the other hand, has been steady under interim manager Rumba Munthali.
They have only lost once in their last five games, with a strong defensive record of conceding one goal or fewer in four of these matches. They currently hold the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, just one point above DC United.
Nashville’s main struggle has been maintaining leads, having dropped 14 points from winning positions this season.
They have not won in Canada since August 2022 but will take confidence from their 2-0 victory over Toronto earlier this year.
Team News
Toronto FC
Toronto will welcome back Federico Bernardeschi and Nicksoen Gomis from suspension, which should bolster their attack.
However, they will be without key players Richie Laryea and Jonathan Osorio, who are on international duty, and Sean Johnson, their first-choice goalkeeper.
Tyrese Spicer and Shane O'Neill remain sidelined with injuries, while Brandon Servania is out for the season with a ruptured ACL.
Nashville SC
Nashville will miss Randall Leal due to a hip injury and Lukas MacNaughton who is recovering from ankle surgery.
Anibal Godoy and Jacob Shaffelburg are on international duty, and Shaq Moore is with the US national team.
Teal Bunbury, who recently made his 400th MLS appearance, and Joe Willis, who has three clean sheets in his last four games, are expected to start.
Prediction
Given the return of key players like Bernardeschi and Insigne for Toronto, they might have the edge in this fixture.
Nashville's defensive solidity will be tested, but Toronto’s need for a turnaround and home advantage could see them clinch a narrow 2-0 victory.
Toronto 
Nashville 
