Major League Soccer returns with a fresh set of fixtures as Philadelphia Union and Nashville SC go head to head at Subaru Park on Saturday evening.
The Boys In Gold will head into the weekend looking to find their feet and get one over the hosts, having failed to win any of the last six meetings between the sides since July 2021.
Match preview
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Philadelphia Union returned to winning ways on Wednesday when they scrapped to a slender 3-2 victory over a resilient Atlanta United side at the Subaru Park.
They overcame a late comeback scare as Daniel Gazdag, Mikael Uhre and Julian Carranza scored in a nine-minute spell before Thiago Almada and Edwin Mosquera netted second-half goals for the visitors to reduce the deficit.
Prior to that, Jim Curtin's men picked up a resounding 4-1 victory over New York Red Bulls at home on September 4 before going on a run of five draws in their subsequent five matches.
With Wednesday's result, Philadelphia Union have now gone 12 consecutive MLS home games without defeat, claiming eight wins and four draws since a 2-1 loss against Orlando City on March 26.
The Union have now picked up 15 wins, nine draws and lost eight of their 32 league matches to collect 54 points and sit third in the Eastern Conference table, one point above fourth-placed Columbus Crew.
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Nashville, on the other hand, failed to arrest their poor late-season form as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Orlando City when the sides squared off at Geodis Park on Wednesday evening.
American forward Duncan McGuire continued his fine form in front of goal as he netted the only goal of the game on the stroke of half time to fire Oscar Pareja's side to a second consecutive victory.
Nashville have now failed to win seven of their last eight matches across all competitions, picking up four draws and losing three, including a penalty-shootout loss to Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup final on August 20.
With 45 points from 31 matches, Gary Smith's men are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference standings, five points above eighth-placed Chicago Fire albeit with one game in hand.
Next up for Nashville is an opposing side who they have failed to get the better of in each of their last six meetings, losing four and picking up two draws since a 1-0 victory in July 2021.
Team News
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Philadelphia lost Jesus Bueno to a game-ending injury inside the opening 12 minutes against Atlanta United on Wednesday and the Venezuelan midfielder is a major doubt for Sunday's game.
In his absence, fellow countryman Jose Martinez will push for a place in the starting XI, forming the midfield trio with Alejandro Bedoya and 20-year-old Jack McGlynn.
Having registered one goal and an assist against Atlanta United last time out, Gazdag now has 20 goal involvements in MLS this season and the 27-year-old will certainly be one to keep an eye on.
As for Nashville, Smith will be unable to call upon experienced defender Daniel Lovitz, who is currently suspended following his sending off against Orlando City last time out.
Taylor Washington should take up his place in the back four on Sunday, teaming up with Alex Muyl, Walker Zimmerman and Jack Maher, with Joe Willis starting between the sticks once again.
On the injury front, Nashville will be without the duo of Lukas MacNaughton and Nick DePuy, who are currently recuperating from muscle and Achilles tendon injuries respectively.
Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Blake; Mbaizo, Glesnes, Elliott, Harriel; Martinez, Bedoya, McGlynn; Gazdag, Carranza, Uhre
Nashville SC possible starting lineup:
Willis; Washington, Muyl, Zimmerman, Maher; Leal, Godoy, Anunga, Picault; Mukhtar, Surridge
We say: Philadelphia Union 2-1 Nashville SC
Buoyed by their hard-earned victory over Atlanta United, Philadelphia Union will head into the weekend with sky-high confidence as they look to put together a fine run of form ahead of the playoffs. The Union take on a floundering Nashville side who have struggled for consistency of late and we see them prevailing in front of their home supporters.
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Top tip
Joshua Ojele
