One of the league’s most successful clubs has been decidedly unproductive in 2017. Four-time MLS Cup champions D.C. United have stumbled out of the gates and currently sit dead-last in the Eastern Conference.

Injuries to key players like Patrick Mullins, Nick DeLeon and Sean Franklin have only made matters worse for the league’s lowest scoring team. The capital club will be looking to make a big statement on Saturday night as they play table-toppers Toronto FC.

Formation – 4-1-4-1/4-4-2

Head coach Ben Olsen has a reputation as a no-frills leader. His formation of choice reflects as much as United typically lineup in two straight-forward blocks of four.

Despite their anemic offence to date, D.C. boast some impressive talent out wide in Lloyd Sam, Lamar Neagle and Patrick Nyarko. With Mullins sidelined, MLS veteran Sebastian LeToux has been reclaimed the number nine role that saw him flourish with the Philadelphia Union.

United States international Steve Birnbaum anchors the backline alongside either Bobby Boswell or Kofi Opare, as United sits middle of the pack in goals allowed with 21.

Key Player – Bill Hamid

Few goalkeepers in MLS possess the pure athleticism that Bill Hamid boasts, yet inconsistency has come to define his career to date.

At his best, Hamid is arguably the league’s top keeper and has consistently been called in to national team camps with the United States. The Homegrown backstop has made some truly world class saves over the course of his career with United, but has also confounded with some howlers of his own.

With the Reds likely to have the lion’s share of possession on the day, Hamid will have to be at his best to give his side a chance.

Coach’s Quotebook

Greg Vanney: “"They're an experienced team that plays with a lot of grit. They'll have a fair amount of urgency to get something out of this game."