Sports Mole previews Friday's Major League Soccer clash between Philadelphia Union and DC United, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Two teams at opposite ends of the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference are set to meet on Saturday when second-place Philadelphia Union hosts second-bottom DC United.

Despite their league positioning, the home side head into this game on the back of two fixtures without a win while the visitors put five past Orlando City in their most recent outing.

Match preview

Philadelphia Union players celebrate a goal in the second half against Charlotte FC at Subaru Park on April 3, 2022 © Reuters

Philadelphia Union are in the midst of a fantastic season right now, which sees them sitting second in the MLS Easter Conference, just two points behind New York Red Bulls.

Considering the fact that The U have got a game in hand on the team above them as well, they have a real opportunity ahead of them to head to the top of the league, adding further pressure to this fixture.

Despite their dominance throughout the campaign so far, Jim Curtin's men have struggled for consistent form as of late, having picked up three draws, two wins, and a defeat in their previous six outings.

Philadelphia head into this game on the back of consecutive performances without a win after being beaten by Chicago Fire and then held to a draw against Columbus Crew.

The latter was their most recent match, which was a goalless encounter that showcased their defensive abilities, but Curtin will now want more from his team offensively as well.

DC United midfielder Russell Canouse (6) celebrates scoring a goal with his teammates during the first half against Toronto FC at BMO Field on March 19, 2022 © Reuters

DC United find themselves at the opposite end of the league table right now and their performances have not been as good or consistent as their opponents.

The squad have won just five of the 16 MLS matches that they have played, but the Black and Red have got at least a game in hand on every team in the division, while they have three on some others.

Away from home DC United have managed just two victories to this point, but one of them took place in their most recent outing which ended a seven-match run without a win.

Chad Ashton's men secured that result in thrilling fashion as well by scoring five times to defeat Orlando City 5-3, despite the fact they initially threw away a two-goal lead.

Kimarni Smith and Nigel Robertha both go themselves on the scoresheet in that game, but it was Taxiarchis Fountas who was the hero of the day after scoring a hat-trick.

Philadelphia Union Major League Soccer form:

DC United Major League Soccer form:

Team News

Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin reacts during the first half against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on March 19, 2022 © Reuters

Philadelphia have the option of bringing Jose Martinez back into the starting lineup on Saturday after he served his suspension.

Defensively it is unlikely any changes will end up being made to how The U start this game after they picked up a clean sheet in their most recent outing.

After such an impressive victory at the weekend, there is a strong chance that DC United ends up using the exact same starting lineup in a bid to bring some consistency.

One man that is guaranteed to keep his place in the team is Fountas after he scored three goals during their match at the weekend.

Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Blake; Glesnes, Elliott, Findlay; Wagner, Flach, Bedoya, Mbazio, Gazdag; Donovan, Burke

DC United possible starting lineup:
Romo; Gressel, Pines, Birnbaum, Hines-Ike, Guediri; Durkin, Skundrich, Estrada; Fountas, Kamara

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We say: Philadelphia Union 2-1 DC United

While DC United enjoyed an emphatic victory in their most recent outing, that does not mean that they are the favourites heading into this fixture.

Philadelphia Union have the chance to potentially finish this weekend as the league leaders, and that is something that they are unlikely to throw away.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.