Photo: Marjorie Elzey
Who: Philadelphia Union vs. Nashville SC
What: MLS Regular Season
Where: Subaru Park. Chester, Pennsylvania
When: Saturday, July 20, 7:30 PM EDT
Watch: Apple TV – MLS Season Pass
Whistle: TBD
The Philadelphia Union are back at home once again as they take on visting Nashville SC. The Union will be looking to build on a 5-1 win at home on Wednesday night as they hope turn form and turn around their season.
Scouting Report: Nashville SC
Last 5 matches (most recent first) L – L -L -L – L
After riding performances from MVP candidate Hany Mukhtar for the past 2 seasons, Nashville has come back down to earth a little this season. Currently sitting in 10th place and only 5 goals from Mukhtar on the season, Nashville has turned to forward Sam Surridge for goals, as head leads the side with 8. Jacob Shaffelburg is also an offensive threat, as he returns from international duty with Canada. Former New York Red Bulls Sean Davis and Alex Muyl will be in midfield. Philadelphia-area native Daniel Lovitz will feature on the left side of defense, with Shaq Moore on the right and Jack Maher in the middle. Joe Willis will be in net.
Injury report: Out: Julian Gaines, Anibal Godoy, Randall Leal, Lukas McNaughton; Questionable: Sam Surridge
Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union
Last 5 matches (most recent first) W-L-L-L-L
The Union have had a season to forget so far in 2024, but can take many positives out of their last match. Andre Blake returned to the net and seemed to help some defensive issues. Olivier Mbazio returned to the starting lineup after battling injuries, as did Mikael Uhre and Alejandro Bedoya. Jose Martinez returned from international duty to start. A fractured team was finally near whole health for the first time in months.
Tai Baribo, who’s coming off a hat trick, will look to continue his hot form and get another goal. Daniel Gazdag will look to add to his 11 goals as well after returning from EURO action. Quinn Sullivan appears to be an option either in midifield or off the bench. While his younger brother Cavan Sullivan also now appears to be a bench option.
The Philadelphia midfield is once again crowded with Martinez and Bedoya returning. Both will be vying for starting spots with Jack McGlynn, Leon Flach and Jesus Bueno.
Injury Report: Questionable: Markus Anderson
Matchup to Watch: Continuing Form
Neither side have been in good form recently, but Philadelphia did just post a convincing win over a team in a similar scenario. Is it a sign of fortunes rising in Philadelphia or simply a flash in the pan against a weak opponent?
Player to Watch: Jose Martinez
Martinez’s return to the lineup gave Philadelphia new life and the physicality they need to wear down opponents. If he can continue the Union should be seeing a change in form hold.
Prediction: Philadelphia Union 3-1 Nashville SC
The goals keep coming for Philadelphia and they pick up another win in front of the home support.
Lines:
Philadelphia: +235
Chicago: +105
Draw: +260
Here are the ref and the other officials:
REF: Chris Penso
AR1: Ian McKay
AR2: Adam Garner
4TH: Guido Gonzales Jr
VAR: Kevin Stott
AVAR: Joshua Patlak
Excited to see if we can get Cavan some more run.
The good news is that he is not in the lineup (starting or bench) for Union 2 tonight so he should be available (Anderson and Olney are both starting).
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But I’m guessing that he will only play if the game is not too close.
Jack McGlynn won’t be part of the crowded midfield given that he is away with the Olympic team.
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And not sure that anyone will bet on Chicago regardless of the odds 🙂 :-).