Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith has warned his players they must keep up their home form ahead of the Leagues Cup break.

Charlotte host D.C. United in their next match, marking their third consecutive home match after a run of five games on the road.

Smith’s side have the sixth-best home record in the Eastern Conference this season and are unbeaten in their last three at Bank of America Stadium.

Charlotte are currently ninth in the East, but they could slip out of the playoff spots if the Chicago Fire win their game in hand.

Smith emphasised the importance of their home form as they approach a break from MLS action.

“The players know how big this week is, or at least the last five games before the Leagues Cup,” said Smith.

“Four of the last five [games] were going to be at home, with the exception of Atlanta, so we knew how important this is for how we are going to finish the season.

“I know how good these players are and we all know what they can do. We needed to close the gap between us and New York City and start looking upwards.

“This stadium is going to be massive for us in the run-in. I spoke to the players about that, and the supporters make a difference. We want to make it really hard for teams to come here.”

D.C. United are 13th in the East, 10 points behind Charlotte, and have failed to win any of their last five league matches.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Charlotte FC – Wilfried Zaha

Wilfried Zaha has been one of Charlotte’s main attacking threats this season, scoring five MLS goals so far.

The former Crystal Palace winger has been involved in at least one goal in a club-record five consecutive regular-season matches.

D.C. United – Gabriel Pirani

Gabriel Pirani has been involved in four of D.C. United’s last five regular-season goals (three goals, one assist), including scoring the team’s lone goal at LA Galaxy on Saturday, in a 2-1 defeat.

Prior to this run, which began in late May, Pirani hadn’t contributed to a goal since March 1.

MATCH PREDICTION – CHARLOTTE FC WIN

Charlotte have won their last two regular-season meetings with D.C. United, both in the 2024 season. The only two teams Charlotte has won three or more straight league matches against are Chicago (five) and NYCFC (three).

D.C. United have won only one of their last 13 matches in all competitions dating back to early May, including losing five of the last six.

In their last six league matches, Charlotte have won two, drawn one and lost three. DC United, meanwhile, have won one, drawn one and lost four in their last six.

However, Charlotte have not won consecutive matches since a three-match run in March-April. They beat New York City 2-0 last time out and should be in high spirits.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Charlotte FC – 60.4%

Draw – 20.8%

D.C. United – 18.8%