North Texas Soccer Club takes the field for their third game of the USL League One season on Saturday, hosting Orlando City B following the FC Dallas game against San Jose Earthquakes. It's a battle between two MLS reserve sides who sit on opposite ends of the League One standings. North Texas also has a very interesting selection of first team players to use, all of whom will likely start.

Without further ado, here's what you need to know.

Background

It's been two weeks since North Texas SC last took the field, and despite the bye week, they remain comfortably in 3rd place. Orlando City B are back after taking 2018 off, and so far, they've had a miserable start. Through four games, Orlando has one point, and sit dead last.

The Opponent

Orlando City B is the reserve side for Orlando, if you couldn't tell by the very original and creative name. Fun fact: they don't actually play in Orlando, they play in Montverde, 23 miles east of the MLS stadium.

Pick a statistic, and OCB are likely sitting at the wrong end of the rankings. They lead League One in goals conceded and yellow cards, they have the second worst offense, tied with TFCII and Greenville, and two of their four games have ended with 10 men on the field. Things are not looking great.

That said, there are a few players who stand out on this roster. Christopher "Koby" Osei-Wusu is easily the biggest attacking threat, with two goals scored from three chances created, and can play as either a forward, a left winger, or as a number 8. Alasanne Ates Diouf is another player to keep an eye on, as he's done his best as a playmaker to run a rather unorganized team.

OCB are currently coached by Fernando De Argila, son of the late former goalkeeper and coach Fernando Argila Pazzaglia. Argila the younger has previously served as head or assistant coach in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and was manager of the San Marino national team for a short spell in 2013. Most famously, for a large chunk of the 1990s, Argila was the head coach and technical director at La Masia, FC Barcelona's youth academy.

So far, Argila's squads have alternated between a single-pivot 4-3-3 and a double-pivot 4-2-3-1. Argila is looking to implement similar tactics and operations in Orlando that he used in Barcelona, and these formations clearly show that influence.

Available Players

This week, FC Dallas have listed a total of six first team players and five academy players available for North Texas. Callum Montgomery, Brandon Servania, and Bryan Reynolds will all likely play their third game for North Texas, with Jacori Hayes and John Nelson joining for the second time, and Thomas Roberts likely to make his North Texas debut.

From the academy, we find four familiar faces and one new name. Imanol Almaguer, Kevin Bonilla, Gibran Rayo, and Tanner Tessmann are all back following the conclusions of both Dallas and Generation Adidas Cups, joined by U19 goalkeeper Michael Collodi.

Predicted Starting XI

This week is going to look a bit different compared to the previous two games. Carlos Avilez will almost certainly get the start in goal, with Brecc Evans and Callum Montgomery teaming up for the third time in front. At wing back, John Nelson likely starts at left back, while Bryan Reynolds likely on the right.

The midfield trio is where we'll likely have to wait and see. Brandon Servania is the logical pick for defensive midfield, with Jacori Hayes as an 8, and then it's a toss-up between Jatta and both Hermanos Rodriguez for the third spot. I have a hunch we'll see Arturo Rodriguez there, even though I'd like to see David Rodriguez make his debut.

Up front, Ricardo Pepi's name is written indelibly (until he leaves on national team duty) at center forward, and Oscar Romero is likely starting on the right wing. Knowing that Roberts has been made available, he'll be starting on the left wing.

On the bench, I'm predicting Collodi as the backup goalkeeper, Murillo and Montalvo for defensive depth, Jatta and David Rodriguez for the midfield, and two of the four remaining academy players. Just taking a guess, I'm expecting to see Bonilla and either Almaguer or Tessmann.

Around the League

Week 5 of the season has already begun, with two 2-0 wins on the road on Friday night as Toronto II beat Lansing and Tormenta beat Tucson.

Tormenta now has a bit of a cushion at the top of the table, sitting in first with 11 points through 6. TFCII sit second with 7points, still undefeated after 3. North Texas is third with 2 wins from 2, tied on points though with two games in hand over Lansing, Chattanooga, and Greenville.

North Texas kick off Saturday's action at 4:50 p.m. against OCB, followed by Richmond vs Chattanooga at 6, and Madison vs Greenville at 7. As always, you can find every moment of the USL League One season on ESPN+.