Sunday 6 September 2015 07:17, UK
From Didier Drogba's first start for Montreal to an in-form Obafemi Martins, five things to look out for in MLS...
As the international break halts top flight fixtures across Europe, MLS keeps going. Here are five things to look out for Stateside this weekend...
Montreal Impact v Chicago Fire: Will Drogba start?
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba could finally start for Montreal as he continues to recover from a toe injury, but whether he plays or not, the Impact will be desperate to turn around their fortunes by putting their three consecutive losses behind them.
Frank Klopas was sacked as Montreal head coach last weekend after the club's 2-1 defeat to fierce rivals Toronto FC. Mauro Biello takes on the role as interim manager for the second time in three years.
The Impact have lost their last three matches and currently sit seventh in the Eastern Conference, but their games in hand put them in a good position to leapfrog their way into a play-off position.
Chicago, who sold designated player Shaun Maloney to Hull City this summer, have not won away this season but know three points could catapult them back into the play-off picture.
New England Revolution v Orlando City: Kaka missing
New England Revolution have won four of their last five. Orlando are without a win in their last five. The teams sit fifth and sixth respectively in the East and eight points separate the two.
Orlando occupy the last play-off spot but the four teams behind them require either just a draw or a win to overtake Kaka and co.
It means the return of former Stoke City winger Brek Shea may prove important as he looks set to play a part after missing the last two months with a hernia injury.
And it could be a problem that Kaka will not play a part due to his international commitments with Brazil; his first call-up since last October.
A win for New England could see them take fourth place, putting them in an advantageous position going into an appealing run-in.
Columbus Crew v FC Dallas: Do stripped back Columbus have enough?
The international break is likely to take its toll on both of these play-off-seeking sides.
Columbus are without nine players, one-third of their entire squad. In addition, attacking midfielder Federico Higuain – who has seven goals and seven assists this season – is a doubt.
Gonzalo's brother has been struggling with hamstring injuries and has had limited training time this week, and with the squad already looking depleted, the 30-year-old missing out could be a significant blow.
FC Dallas' three game losing streak came to an end last weekend with a 2-0 win against Real Salt Lake. Their third-placed position in the highly competitive Western Conference is one they will want to maintain with a positive result on Sunday night.
Seattle Sounders v Toronto FC: Martins to star against depleted Toronto?
A confidence-boosting derby win against Portland in front of over 60,000 fans means Seattle have the opportunity to score back-to-back wins for the first time since May.
And with seven games remaining, it looks set to be a race with San Jose Earthquakes to make the play-offs as both are tied for points, with the California side having a game in hand.
Toronto are missing Sebastian Giovinco with an adductor injury, meaning they will be without their leader in goals (17) and assists (13).
But the Reds will be looking for a repeat of last year's lone meeting, which ended with Toronto putting a stop to their record of losing the previous five meetings.
Obafemi Martins will likely be the main threat for the men in rave green once again. He has three goals in his last three games after returning from injury. How Toronto handle him could greatly impact the result one way or the other.
San Jose Earthquakes v Philadelphia Union: MLS' in-form side to strike again?
San Jose's recent form has been remarkable. The Earthquakes have won their last four games in a row without conceding a single goal. Their last win came against state rivals LA Galaxy, who they beat 1-0.
The Earthquakes' clean sheet record is the longest in MLS this season – and Panamanian midfielder Anibal Godoy is partially responsible.
The 25-year-old has performed excellently since joining on August 6. However, international duty comes calling for Godoy this weekend, when San Jose face Philadelphia.
The Union are bottom of the East after winning just one of their last seven matches.
The play-offs are looking increasingly like a long shot, but three points on the road this weekend could help ignite a final push for sixth place in a tight bottom half of the Eastern Conference.
