Photo: Marjorie Elzey

Who: Philadelphia Union vs Nashville SC

What: MLS Regular Season

Where: Subaru Park, Chester Pennsylvania

Watch: Apple TV – MLS Season Pass

Whistle: REF: Armando Villarreal; AR1: Brooke Mayo; AR2: Claudiu Badea; 4TH: Pierre-Luc Lauziere; VAR: Jair Marrufo; AVAR: Jonathan Johnson

The last regular season match at Subaru Park of the 2023 MLS campaign has finally arrived.

The Union will play host to Nashville as they look to improve their current 3rd place position in the Eastern Conference. Nashville on the other hand, will be looking to improve from 7th place. Depending on where both teams finish in the standings, this matchup could be a preview for the first round in the playoffs.

Scouting Report: Nashville SC

It had been a good September for Nashville, who were on a four-game unbeaten run throughout the month. However, that streak did only include one win to complement three draws, and it came to an end this past Wednesday when Orlando City picked up a win in The Music City.

Leading the attacking lines for Nashville is a player who needs no introduction, reigning MVP Hany Mukhtar. Mukhtar has picked up 15 goals and 10 assists this season. Mukhtar will be looking to combine with former Union man Fafa Picault up top, while along side Picault is newly acquired Englishman Sam Surridge.

Shielding the backline is Anibal Godoy, the Panamian veteran excelling in linking play and starting counter attacks. Randall Leal is also a weapon on the right side to get behind the defense.

In defense, Nashville has the pairing of Jack Maher and USMNT veteran Walker Zimmerman. Daniel Lovitz will be on the left and Alex Muyl will be on the right. Joe Willis will be in net for Nashville.

Injury Report: OUT: Nick DePuy; Questionable: Lukas McNaughton.

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia will be looking to build off a home win against Atlanta United on Wednesday, extending their unbeaten streak to six. Forward Mikael Uhre was substituted with what looked like a hamstring injury and his status is uncertain for Saturday night. Julian Carranza notched a goal last time out and will be looking to build on his season-long good form.

The midfield will stay relatively consistent, with several healthy options to pick from for Jim Curtin. Alejandro Bedoya, Jack McGlynn and Leon Flach can all fill options there along with Daniel Gazdag and Jose Martinez. Jesus Bueno also left Wednesday nights game with an injury, thus it is unlikely he features.

In defense, Jacob Glesnes is expected to start alongside Jack Elliott, but Damion Lowe is an option if rotation or an odd-numbered back line is needed. Kai Wagner will be on the left and Oliver Mbaizo will be on the right, with Andre Blake in goal.

Injury Report: Questionable: Mikael Uhre; Jesus Bueno.

Key Match-Up: Depth

Coming to the tail end of a long regular season, both teams have had depth tested. Andre Blake was vocal about schedule congestion after Wednesday’s match. Now both sides will take the field in Chester just 72 hours later.

Player to Watch: Quinn Sullivan 

Sullivan has been given more opportunities with recent forward injuries and has seemed to move up the depth chart as of late. With Uhre’s status uncertain, Sullivan could likely start and at least play a sizeable role from the bench.

Prediction: Philadelphia 2-1 Nashville 

Philadelphia keeps winning at home before the playoffs and does it with a come from behind win after Nashville opens the scoring.

Odds:

Philadelphia: -140

Nashville: +340

Draw: +280