Photo: Earl Gardner

Who: Philadelphia Union (5th place, 46 points, 14-4-12) vs. Columbus Crew SC (4th place, 47 points, 13-8-9)
What: 2018 regular season game
Where: Mapfre Stadium, Columbus, OH
When: Saturday, September 29 at 7:30 pm
Watch: PHL17, CW Columbus, Spectrum Sports OH, BCSN2, ESPN+, DAZN
Whistle: Drew Fischer; Kathryn Nesbitt, Peter Maikowski; Dave Gantar; Caleb Mendez

Even in a vacuum the Union’s trip to Ohio this weekend would be tremendously important. The Crew are just one point ahead of the Union in the standings, and as playoff positions begin to crystallize (Atlanta and Red Bulls were already guaranteed spots, and NYCFC secured their spot Wednesday night by beating Chicago) moving past Columbus is essential if the Union want to make an impact in the playoffs.

But it’s even more important in the context of what happened Wednesday night. This team has recently shown they’re capable of forgetting the past, beating both Seattle and Kansas City after an embarrassing loss to Montreal. And they’ll need to do it again after the devastating defeat in Houston. If they play with any hint of a hangover, or even without the tenacity they showed against the Sounders and SKC, the clouds will start to roll in. Sure, there’s still a good shot to make the playoffs without a win, but it could very well look like when the Union made the playoffs in 2016.

Scouting report: Columbus Crew SC

Predicted Columbus Lineup

This is the team that beat the Union in May, and held them to a draw in March. But that wasn’t quite the same Union that they will be seeing this weekend. Philadelphia was struggling to find goals when they last faced Columbus. That isn’t to say the Union are an offensive powerhouse, but significantly more will be asked of the Columbus defense this time. Unfortunately they’ll have their first-choice lineup ready to do it, with absolutely no players missing due to injury or suspension.

Up front it’s much of the same, a first choice attack coming at the rattled Union back line. Justin Meram and Federico Higuain aren’t to be taken lightly, and while Pedro Santos may not be a goal-scoring machine he serves up enough assists to mean you ignore him at your own peril. And followers of the US Men’s National Team know the oft-maligned Gyasi Zardes isn’t bad so much as frustrating. Higuain particularly will be a challenge, with his skill on the ball likely to force the Union to react faster than may be ideal.

• Injury report: None.
• Suspended: None, Federico Higuain misses the next game with a yellow card.

Scouting report: Philadelphia Union

Predicted Union Lineup

The Union should field the same lineup that we saw on Wednesday, with the single uncertainty being how sprained Ray Gaddis’ ankle is. While that may be frustrating for those who’re calling for the Union to be better at adapting, the simple fact is every player on that field was the best the Union have available. And those players are the ones that are going to make or break the Union’s postseason push.

What should be different is the depth on the bench and how it is used. David Accam has done nothing to earn a spot in the eighteen, so give a different attacking player the seat next to Jay Simpson (just like Simpson’s seat was given away for so many months). If the midfield isn’t getting it done, bring Derrick Jones or Warren Creavalle in before it’s too late to change the game. Something, anything to show that what we’ve seen isn’t all we’ll ever see.

• Injury report: None. Questionable: Matt Real, D (left knee sprain); Ilsinho, M (quad strain); Raymon Gaddis, D (left ankle sprain)
• Suspended: Jack Elliot, D (red card vs. SKC)

Key matchup

The Union vs. Ghosts of Union Past. With just one point separating the two teams, and an identical 4-2-3-1 looking at them from across the field, this is as even a matchup as you could realistically have. So the result of this game hinges less on any one player, but on the Union playing like a team that wants to win and knows it can.

Player to watch

Auston Trusty. The young center back is having a bad week. But being able to bounce back and still do the good things we all know he’s capable of doing is essential at this moment. It’s important not only for the Union to take control of their playoff position, but for Trusty to take control of his future career.

Prediction

Draw 1-1. The Union could win and if they do it will show everyone, themselves included, that their playoff appearance will be more than just another one and done. But the Crew are well rested, at home, and not playing out from under the emotional weight of another US Open Cup Final loss. Getting a draw here kicks the can down the road, and hopefully gives the team enough time to regroup and make something of what remains of 2018.