Philadelphia Union are set to host New York Red Bulls at Subaru Park in an Eastern Conference clash on Sunday that could solidify the visitors' grip on their MLS Cup qualification spot.
The home side are 14th in their conference with 20 points and are four from the final MLS Cup playoff position, while the away side hold an automatic qualification spot in fifth with 35 points and are 11 clear of the playoff positions.
Match preview
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The hosts will be very disappointed with their season so far considering that they are averaging just 0.95 points per game after 21 MLS matches, significantly fewer than the 1.62 they achieved in the 2023 campaign.
Indeed, they finished last season in fourth place with 55 points, 57 goals scored and 41 conceded.
This term, with 13 games left to play Philadelphia have already conceded 39 times.
To the hosts' credit, they are at least averaging slightly more goals per game this year and have the joint second-best offensive record in the Eastern Conference with 36 goals, but given they are second last it will likely be of little comfort to manager Jim Curtin.
Curtin was assistant manager between 2013 and 2014 but was appointed permanently on November 7, 2014 after an impressive interim spell in charge.
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The long-term manager won the Supporters Shield in 2020 and finished as MLS Cup runner-up in 2022.
Philadelphia's MLS form has been poor given they have lost their last five fixtures and have won just once in their last 15.
Last time out against Chicago Fire on Thursday, the Union lost 4-3 after initially leading 3-1 as Chicago scored three times after the 80th minute to secure all three points.
As for the visitors, they come into the game in mixed MLS form having won just once in their last five while drawing three of these fixtures, but to their credit they have lost just four times in 21 matches.
This is the same number of losses as second-placed FC Cincinnati and just one more than first-placed Inter Miami, but they do have eight draws this season, which is the joint-most in the Eastern Conference.
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Last time out against DC United, the Red Bulls disappointingly drew 2-2 despite their opponents being reduced to 10 men in the 20th minute.
Manager Sandro Schwarz has been in charge since December 14, 2023 and has a record of nine wins, eight draws and four losses this campaign.
He will be pleased that his side are on track to automatically qualify for the MLS Cup considering that last term they were only able to qualify by winning a playoff game against Charlotte.
In the league, Schwarz's side have scored 36 goals and conceded 27 times, a defensive record which is the joint sixth best in the division.
As for New York Red Bulls' away form, they have lost two of their last three games on the road and drew 2-2 most recently on June 30 against Montreal.
Team News
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The hosts come into the game with a number of absentees, including goalkeeper Andre Blake and defender Isaiah LeFlore, who are both out due to knee injuries.
Midfielder Alejandro Bedoya will also miss Sunday's clash as a result of a hip injury, but he is expected back sometime this month.
Forwards Mikael Uhre and Tai Baribo are also out because of respective groin and back injuries.
Meanwhile, the visitors have three players with injury concerns, although all are expected to return this month.
Midfielder Peter Stroud has not featured since May 14 and has been struggling with an ankle injury.
Elsewhere, striker Roald Mitchell is out of Sunday's game with a knee injury, while fellow striker Serge Ngoma is also out due to a knee issue.
More positively, Emil Forsberg could come back into contention for a starting spot after returning from a foot injury against DC United last time out on June 30.
Goalkeeper Carlos Coronel has been away at Copa America with Paraguay, but although his nation were eliminated from the competition after their final group game on July 3, it is doubtful that he will make an appearance this weekend.
Meanwhile, defender Omar Valencia remains at Copa America with Panama and will be unavailable.
Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Semmle; Harriel, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner; McGlynn, Bueno, Flach; Gazdag, Donovan, Sullivan
New York Red Bulls possible starting lineup:
Meara; D Nealis, S Nealis, Eile, Tolkin; Gjengaar, Donkor, Carmona, Forsberg; Manoel, Morgan
We say: Philadelphia Union 2-3 New York Red Bulls
Although New York Red Bulls are not in particularly strong form, it is difficult to overlook the outright poor form of Philadelphia.
Additionally, considering that both sides have been among the Eastern Conference's best offensive teams, fans could be in for an entertaining clash on Sunday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Lewis Nolan
