Prediction: Philadelphia Union vs FC Cincinnati

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Hoping to try and find a route to the top of the Eastern Conference table this weekend, Philadelphia Union will host FC Cincinnati in the early hours of Sunday.

Philadelphia Union

Starting with the hosts, while Philadelphia might still be firmly battling it out at the top of the Eastern Conference table, they do mark their return from the international break seeking some kind of boost. Last seen signing off May with a 1-1 draw away at New England, the Union had gained somewhat of a reputation as a stalemate specialist. Although Jim Curtin’s men might mark find themselves sat just a single point adrift of leapfrogging New York City to top spot, they have played out a draw in three of their last four domestic showdowns. Likewise, aside from a much-welcomed 2-0 victory against Portland on May 22nd, that is the only victory that Philadelphia have managed to muster from their last nine straight outings. With their hugely worrying run of form stemming all the way back to the start of April, it appears that Curtin does find some growing pressure on his shoulders at Subaru Park.

Team News

Philadelphia are once again set to be without their talented trio of Brandan Craig, Paxten Aaronson and Quinn Sullivan.

Likewise, the Union are also sweating over the fitness of 27-year-old attacker Mikael Uhre this weekend.

FC Cincinnati

As for the visitors, while Cincinnati might have gained plenty of plaudits from across the MLS when opening up the 2022 campaign, they now find themselves in a very similar position to Sunday’s opponents. Last seen heading into the international break with an action-packed 4-3 loss away at Montreal, Head Coach Pat Noonan’s men have largely come crashing back down to earth. In fact, on a run that is highlighted by a 5-1 drumming at the hands of New England on May 11th, the Orange and Blues have now lost three of their last four domestic outings. Opening Sunday’s trip to Philadelphia with just their goal difference keeping them inside the Final Series spots, Cincinnati should be worried by their downbeat record against their Eastern Conference rivals. Despite snatching a 1-1 draw when the two sides faced off on February 2nd, Noonan’s side have failed to win any of their last five meetings against the Union.

Team News

Cincinnati have already confirmed that number one goalkeeper Alec Kann will once again miss out this weekend.

Likewise, the duo of Calvin Harris and Allan Cruz will not travel to Philadelphia on Sunday as they still deal with a pair of knocks.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off at the TQL Stadium on February 3rd, they played out a 1-1 draw.
• However, Philadelphia are unbeaten in each of their last five meetings against Cincinnati, recording three victories and two draws.
• Shockingly, the Union have managed to win just one of their last nine straight domestic outings, a run that stems back to the start of April.
• Likewise, Cincinnati have lost three of their last four domestic contests, shipping at least a trio of strikes in each of those three defeats.
• Four of Cincinnati’s last five away fixtures have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Philadelphia might open Sunday’s meeting as a standout pick with the bookmakers, the Union are making their return with the feel of a side seeking a much-needed boost. Remarkably managing to muster just a single victory from any of their last nine outings across all formats, the Eastern Conference title contenders will be desperate to avoid another public banana skin here. Likewise, with Cincinnati heading into the international break with an action-packed 4-3 loss at the hands of Montreal, we could be in for another enjoyable affair here. Losing three of their last four domestic contests, a run highlighted by a 5-1 defeat against New England last month, both of Sunday’s opponents have shown some extended issues at the back. With Cincinnati seeing four of their last five away fixtures finish with both teams finding the net, we’re backing a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Unibet