Both sides are tied at 33 points in the Eastern Conference.
When the Philadelphia Union host DC United at Subaru Park on Sunday, three crucial points could be won by either of the sides as both clubs are fighting to qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs.
The Union defeated New York City FC 5-1 on Wednesday, moving them up to the last Eastern Conference playoff spot on goal differential. DC United, on the other hand, were held to a 0-0 tie against NYCFC the previous weekend.
The Union made good use of their playoff urgency on Wednesday, scoring three goals in less than thirty minutes and applying constant pressure for the full ninety minutes.
In their last three league games, DC have won seven of the nine possible points while only losing one of their prior six home games.
Kick-off
Monday: 23 September at 3:45 a.m. IST
Location: Subaru Park
Form
Philadelphia Union: L-L-L-W-L-L
DC United: W-L-L-W-W-D
Players to watch
Philadelphia Union: Mikael Uhre
Mikael Uhre has been sensational for the Union. His nine goals and five assists are a testament to his all-round performance in the competition. The player has taken all sorts of responsibilities from scoring goals to creating goalscoring chances. Uhre will once again hope to make a big contribution against DC United.
DC United: Christian Benteke
Christian Benteke has been rampant for DC United, producing 19 goals for them. He will continue to increase his tally when they take on the Philadelphia Union. So far, his goalscoring prowess has helped United find the back of the net effortlessly.
Match facts
- DC United and Philadelphia Union drew their last match.
- The Philadelphia Union’s home performance in Major League Soccer for this season is three wins, four ties and seven losses.
- In this Major League Soccer campaign, DC United have four away wins, four draws and seven defeats.
Philadelphia Union vs DC United: Betting and Tips odd
- Tip 1: Philadelphia to win.
- Tip 2: Mikael Uhre to score.
- Tip 3: Goals to be scored under 2.5
Injury and team news
The Union’s first-choice custodian and captain, Andre Blake, was sidelined due to a sore groin. Isaiah LeFlore missed the match because of a right knee injury when Union defeated New York City FC.
Due to a glut of yellow cards, Jack Elliott was forced to miss their previous match. But, on Sunday, the English centre-back should return to the starting lineup.
Due to ankle problems, DC were without Matai Akinmboni and Jackson Hopkins last weekend. David Schnegg was also out due to a calf ailment, while Conner Antley is probably done for the season due to an ACL tear.
Lucas Bartlett will miss this game following another caution last Saturday, while Mateusz Klich is cleared to return from his yellow card suspension.
Head-to-head
Matches: 48
Philadelphia Union: 22
Draws: 11
DC United: 15
Predicted lineup
Philadelphia Union: 4-3-1-2
Rick; Mbaizo, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner; Flach, Bedoya, McGlynn; Gazdag; Uhre, Baribo
DC United: 4-4-2
Bono; Herrera, Peltola, McVey, Santos; Dajome, Rodriguez, Ku-DiPietro, Pirani; Stroud, Benteke
Prediction
It’s almost crunch time for both of these teams. We have faith that the Union’s track record of winning crucial games will help them in this one as well.
Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2-0 DC United
Live telecast
All MLS 2024 matches are telecasted on Apple TV worldwide.
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