Preview: Philadelphia Union vs. FC Cincinnati – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Philadelphia Union And FC Cincinnati complete the 2024 MLS regular season when they face off at Subaru Park on Saturday.

While the Orange-Blue have secured a spot in the playoffs, there is a lot at stake for the home team as they sit 11th in the Eastern Conference standings, three points behind ninth-place Montreal for the coveted play-in -Place.

Game preview

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Philadelphia Union dropped three points in its late bid for postseason football when it suffered a 3-2 defeat to Columbus Crew in its final game before the international break on October 6.

Cucho Hernandez And Mohamed Farsi scored on both sides Nathan HarrisThe equalizer in the 25th minute put the team ahead in the first half, and after Hernandez scored his second goal in the 76th minute, Jack McGlynn A few moments later he scored a goal that halved the deficit.

Previously, Philadelphia Union's three-game unbeaten streak ended 2-1 against Orlando City at Inter & Co Stadium on October 3, thanks to second-half goals Facundo Torres And Duncan McGuire.

While Jim CurtinManchester's men had been hoping for a strong end to the campaign, now taking one point from the last nine available, a run that has threatened their hopes of a sixth successive playoff appearance.

The Union now has the last chance and goes into the season finale in eleventh place at the Eastern Conference table with 37 points, three points behind ninth-place CF Montreal for the coveted play-in qualifying spot.

Philadelphia Union are the only team in the bottom half of the table with a positive goal difference, meaning a win this weekend and good results in their other games could see them finish in the top nine.

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On the other hand, Cincinnati failed to halt their poor late-season form as they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Orlando City just before half-time when the two teams faced off at TQL Stadium.

After falling behind Ramiro Enrique's opening goal in the 10th minute, Luciano Acosta Shortly before half-time he brought the hosts back into the game. Ivan Angulo gave Cincinnati the lead with a shot in the 66th minute before Enrique scored his second goal of the game to seal the result.

Cincinnati has now lost each of its last three games, losing to Los Angeles FC, New York City and Orlando City, while conceding eight goals and scoring four goals since a thrilling 2-2 draw with Nashville SC at Geodis Park on September 22 .

Pat NoonanThe MLS men enter the season finale without a win in nine of their last 11 MLS games – they have lost seven and drawn two – a run that has derailed their bid for the Eastern Conference title.

Although it was a mediocre end to the season for the Orange and Blue, they are guaranteed a third-place finish in the Eastern Conference standings as they sit four points ahead of fourth-place Orlando City heading into the final weekend of the regular season.

Philadelphia Union Major League Soccer form:

FC Cincinnati Major League Soccer form:

Team news

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Philadelphia Union remains without the services of the 21-year-old full-back Isaiah LeFlorewho continues his long spell on the sidelines as he recovers from a knee injury.

Barring any late fitness issues, LeFlore looks set to be the only guaranteed absentee for the season finale and we expect Curtin to name a similar side that started against Columbus Crew before the break.

Harriel scored his second goal in three games against the Crew and the 23-year-old was expected to make up the back four Jacob Glesnes, Jack Elliott And Kai Wagnerwhile Daniel Gazdag, Tai Baribo And Mikael watch should lead the attack again.

As for Cincinnati, it continues to be missing several key players in the backbone of the team Alec Can (Hip), Nick Hagglund (leg) and Isaiah Foster (Knees) Everyone continues their spells on the sidelines.

Nigerian defender Chidozie Awazien has missed each of the last few since suffering a leg injury against Los Angeles FC on September 29, and the 27-year-old is no longer in contention for the Orange and Blue.

First choice defender Matthew Miazga has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury against the San Jose Earthquakes in June Sergio Santos will also sit out this weekend's clash due to concussion protocol.

Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Blake; Harriel, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner; Jacques, Sullivan, Flach; Gazdag, Baribo, clock

Possible FC Cincinnati starting lineup:
Celentano; Powell, Robinson, Hadebe; Yedlin, Nwobodo, Bucha, Asad; Acosta, Kelsy, Gioacchini

We say: Philadelphia Union 2:1 FC Cincinnati

It's now or never for the Philadelphia Union in their pursuit of postseason football as they needed maximum points to keep their slim hopes of playoff qualification alive. While Philadelphia needs results elsewhere to work in their favor this weekend, they must first do their part when facing a Cincinnati team that has already booked a playoff ticket.

While the Orange and Blue will look to end their run of three straight defeats and end the season on a positive note, we're backing Curtin's men to give it their all in front of their home fans to get the result they want.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

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