DC United vs Charlotte FC Prediction: Tactical Showdown in Eastern Conference Playoff Push

As the end of the 2024 MLS season draws nearer, DC United welcome Charlotte FC on October 20th in a mammoth encounter between two teams who are fighting for a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. They are 8th in the table with a record of 10W-10D-13L, while Charlotte FC is 6th, in a much healthier position, with 13W-9D-11L. It sees both teams come into this match relatively well off, with DC United coming in unbeaten in three matches, and Charlotte holding a four-game unbeaten streak. With plenty on the line for both sides, this promises to be an extremely closely contested encounter.

DC United have blown hot and cold this season, and while a precious away victory came against New England last week, this may give them all-important momentum. Despite that, they have been unable to keep the back door shut, allowing nine goals in their last five games. In fact, nine of their last ten matches have seen over 2.5 goals, and another open contest can be in store.

DC United normally comes into the match in a 4-4-2 setup and will be looking to play for wing play and long balls. Its 41% usage of long passes and 36% crossing rate show that the team likes going direct and creating chances from wide positions. But its 29% success rate in defending tackles shows the tendency to struggle in one-on-one situations, which could be exposed by the pace Charlotte carries on the flanks. It means that DC might want to stamp more authority on the midfield, considering they enjoyed a mere 37% of possession in the last outing against New England - something that might be worrying them once more, considering Charlotte excel in a duel of 58% and winning tackles of 55%.

Meanwhile, Charlotte have been more consistent, undefeated in the last four matches. The recent victory against Montreal showed how solid they were at the back and efficient in attack, considering the fact that they won 2-0 with just 36% possession. They have shown a penchant for scoring early, having opened the scoring in four of the last five matches. This is a good chance for Charlotte to strengthen their playoff position.

We have seen a Charlotte FC team that is in a more fluid 4-2-3-1 system, one that easily allows them to clog the midfield and transition into an attack. They'll be deeper, absorbing pressure, and count on their ability to win duels and on effective counterattacks. With only 25% of their attacking play using cross balls, much of their game involves breaching central areas and exploiting gaps. Also, the defensive solidity of late-the clean sheets in two of the last three matches-might be what is needed to frustrate DC United's direct approach.

DC United and Charlotte FC have played six times. Charlotte FC has come out on top three times, while DC United has managed to win twice, with one match ending in a draw. The last outing between these teams was in June 2024, where Charlotte FC managed to pip DC United at home 1-0. In head-to-head fixtures, this has usually been a tight game with five out of the last six encounters producing under 4.5 cards. This season, however, Charlotte has taken three of the last four against them and that could give them the mental advantage going into this matchup.

DC United has this tendency of conceding a lot and at the same time finding their way to scoring lots, meaning most games have already lived up to their name. The defensive nature of the team with poor stability means they have won only 29% of defensive tackles, which will be widely exploited by Charlotte through clinical counter-attacks. The set-piece strength and capacity for creating crosses that have helped them create chances, particularly getting seven corners in recent games and also getting several goal-scoring opportunities during such games. However, this could well be neutralized by Charlotte's defensive discipline and ability to win duels 58% of the time.

On the other hand, Charlotte have shown that they can play without much possession, as evident in their win against Montreal. Their early goal scored and control of the tempo with defensive solidity was how they get the job done. In most of their games, they have been involved in matches with over 4.5 cards, with each of their last five games yielding that count, which shows this game might be scrappy with a lot of intensity.

With Charlotte's better head-to-head record and current form, they are likely to come into this match confident. DC United's vulnerability on the back will be of good help in that regard, as Charlotte, if the home team commits forward, takes advantage of them with its counter-attacking strength.

• Over 3 Goals @ 1.811 Odds
• GG + Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.66 Odds
• Away Win/Draw @ 1.90 Odds