Welcome to The Weekender, where we’ll get you set up for what you need to know going into the upcoming weekend of USL League One action.

We’re heading into a five-game Saturday night to wrap up the month that includes a top-three matchup at the top of the standings, a fascinating game around the playoff line, and a matchup of absolutely contrasting styles.

1. Game of the Weekend – One Knoxville SC vs. Spokane Velocity FC

Two of the top three teams in USL League One square off on Saturday night when third-placed One Knoxville SC hosts second-placed Spokane Velocity FC at Covenant Health Park (5 p.m. ET | ESPN+), marking a key contest for both as they start the final stretch of the season.

• DEFENSIVE STRENGTH: If you’re looking for goals, this may not be the game for you. Spokane and Knoxville boast the best defensive records in the league, with Velocity having allowed only 13 goals in 19 games and One Knox not far behind with 17 goals conceded in 20 outings. That said, these teams played to a 2-2 draw when they first met early in the season.

• CHANGING MOMENTUM: At present, Spokane is the side with momentum. The visitors have won three consecutive league outings to stay on pace with Chattanooga Red Wolves SC at the top of the standings, leaning on their defense to get the job done. Goalkeeper Carlos Merancio has been one of the stars of the season, posting a -3.86 Goals Prevented mark and 77.6 save percentage.

• LOCKED IN NEUTRAL: A couple of weeks ago, One Knox had games in hand on the top two, but they’ve been unable to take advantage. After Wednesday night’s scoreless draw against fourth-placed FC Naples, the hosts need all three points to move level with Spokane for second place in the standings.

If the standings remain the same, this would be a potential League One Semifinal in November, but at ONE Spokane Stadium. That’s going to put the onus on One Knox to deliver a result at home and try to break down Velocity’s impressive defensive unit.

2. Two More Games to Watch

Portland Hearts of Pine vs. Charlotte Independence (Saturday, 5 p.m. ET | ESPN+)

• Hearts of Pine are below the playoff line in League One but still have control over their path to the postseason with 12 games still to go in their campaign. While the seven-point gap to the Charlotte Independence in fifth might seem broad, a victory here plus the three games in hand Portland would still hold could turn things quickly, especially against a Charlotte side that has taken only seven points from its last eight league games.

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC vs. AV ALTA FC (Saturday, 7 p.m. ET | ESPN+)

• You couldn’t ask for a bigger contrast in playing philosophy. The Red Wolves have been the ultimate “play without the ball” team in League One this season, averaging 34.2 percent possession per game, while Antelope Valley has taken the ball and worked it, sitting at a league-high 60.8 percent possession per game. In real terms that means AV ALTA has completed 3.2 times as many passes (9,076 to 2,862) than its hosts on Saturday. When these sides last met in April, Antelope Valley took a 3-2 victory. We’re intrigued to see what happens this time around.

3. Kit of the Week – Forward Madison FC’s “Plume & Pride Kit”

Forward Madison’s latest release was on display on Wednesday night. We don’t know if it inspired the 3-0 victory against Texoma FC, but the details are absolutely perfect, so we wouldn’t rule it out.

4. Landmark of the Week – Brecc Evans, FC Naples

The former USL League One title-winner could pass 10,000 regular season minutes in his career as Naples plays host to Westchester SC. Evans would become only the 12th player to reach the landmark in League One history.

Check out Week 26’s News & Notes

5. Where to Watch

All of Week 26’s games will air on ESPN+.