New York City FC vs. Orlando City SC — Sunday, July 26 — 2:30pm ET — FOX Sports 1

The stars could very well be out for Orlando’s visit to the Bronx on Sunday afternoon. In Addition to Brazilian playmaker Kaká, Yankee Stadium may be set for the dual debut of Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo. Of course, the statuses of NYCFC’s recent additions are up in the air, but the pair’s training sessions this week seem to be a positive sign.

It’s not all about the Designated Players, though, with playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference at stake. Orlando currently sit in the table’s sixth and final playoff slot, three points ahead of Jason Kreis’ side.

Last time out, the teams battled to a 1-1 draw in their first taste of MLS action. Since then, both newcomers have experienced plenty of highs and lows, although things have been a bit tougher of late with a record of 0-3-2 in their last five games combined. It’s also worth noting NYCFC’s non-DP additions, including defenders Andoni Iraola and Angelino—together, the pair will look to replicate their recent showings and bolster a fragile back line. If the hosts can shut down Kaká and the visitors’ front line, NYCFC’s star-powered midfield and attacking corps could very well pick up all three points.

New York Cosmos vs. Indy Eleven — Saturday, July 25 — 7:30pm ET — ESPN3

To say the Cosmos are in an unfamiliar position would be a severe understatement. After plowing through the Spring season unbeaten en route to the title, New York have gone 0-1-1 in their first two Fall matches and currently reside at the bottom of the table. It’s uncharted territory for a team that was playing some of the league’s best soccer in recent months, and Saturday night’s visit to sixth-placed Indy will provide an opportunity to get back on track.

Last week, New York dropped their first league match of the season to the Jacksonville Armada in a game that saw Giovanni Savarese’s side hold the upper hand but ultimately fail to convert its chances. That’s been the name of the game in recent weeks as Lucky Mkosana, Raul, and a host of other attackers have struggled to replicate their Spring form in front of goal.

Interestingly, the Cosmos faced Indy just two weeks ago, securing a 1-1 draw on a late effort from Walter Restrepo. While New York will hope to avoid another scenario that demands a late equalizer, the visitors will know they have two potential playmakers on either flank in Restrepo and Leo Fernandes.

Feature photo credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports