Nashville SC is set to host the Round One match up against Orlando City at Nissan Stadium on Tuesday night as the fight for a semifinal spot ensues. The Boys in Gold are no strangers to the conference semifinals after qualifying during the 2020 campaign, but this year Orlando will not make it easy.

Here’s what you need to know about the opening round playoff fixture in the Eastern Conference…

When is kick off? Tuesday, November 22nd, 8:00 p.m. (ET)

Where is the match being played? Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

What TV channel is it on? FS1, Fox Deportes

What streaming is it on? Fox Sports App

The Boys in Gold are back in the playoffs after first qualifying during their inaugural campaign in 2020. Nashville fell in the second last year, ultimately suffering a 2-0 loss to Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Now, the team is looking to advance deeper into the bracket, and claim the MLS Cup.

With a win against Orlando, NSC would face the Union on the road, months before the teams meet again to open Nashville SC Stadium.

The team reports no new injuries.

Orlando City have qualified for the playoffs for a second consecutive season. The team lost 3-1 at home to the New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference Semifinals last year.

Orlando punched its ticket to the postseason with a dominant Decision Day win against CF Montreal, 2-0 on the road. Now, with a playoff spot secured, the team is ready to avenge last season’s disappointment.

“We’re aiming for the big prize,” head coach Oscar Pareja said. “I know we have some challenges in front of us, with Nashville being the first, but I see the playoffs…very focused on accomplishing that objective.”

Nashville: Willis; Zimmerman, Romney, Maher, Lovitz; Leal, Godoy, McCarty, Johnston; Mukhtar, Sapong

Orlando: Gallese; Mas, Jansson, Carlos, Ruan; Mendez, Urso, Nani, Pereyra; Mueller, Dike

The all-time series between Nashville SC and Orlando City is deadlocked at 1-1-4 since Nashville joined MLS last season. All three matches this season have ended in a draw, 1-1 on August 18th, 2-2 on September 29th and 1-1 on October 31st.

Nashville SC’s penchant for ties will end in the postseason, as there has to be a winner and a loser. Whether it ends for better or for worse remains to be seen. All three matches this season between these two teams have ended in a tie, making this a very even matchup. But, after a strong regular season campaign in the team’s second season, Nashville is primed for playoff success at home. 

Prediction: Nashville SC 2-1 Orlando City