Photo: Marjorie Elzey

Who: Philadelphia Union vs Atlanta United

What: MLS Regular Season

Where: Subaru Park

When: 7:30 PM

Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+

Whistle:

REF: Fotis Bazakos

AR1: Adam Wienckowski

AR2: Gerard-Kader Lebuis

4TH: Luis Diego Arroyo

VAR: Jose Carlos Rivero

AVAR: Robert Schaap

It’s another ‘6-pointer’ for the Union as the Boys in Blue will face off with Atlanta United this Saturday. The U will look to establish control of the Wild Card spots and get some separation against the other button-half East teams.

The Union sit in 9th on 36 points and Atlanta are just below them in 11th place with 33 points, making this a ‘must win’ game for both sides. The Union thoroughly beat DC United last Sunday with a score of 4-0. Meanwhile ATL gave up a last minute equalizer to NYRB in their most recent game, drawing 2-2.

All time series record: 5 PHL Wins – 6 Draws – 5 ATL Wins

Scouting Report: Atlanta United

Last 5: L-W-L-D-D

Like last year, The Five Stripes have been inconsistent but still pack enough fire power on offense to threaten most teams

The departure of Greek striker Giorgios Giakoumakis and Argentinian Thiago Almada has proven difficult to overcome for Atlanta. Since Gonzalo Pineda’s dismissal in early June, interim coach Rob Valentino has been able to keep the team alive in the playoff hunt. New signing Aleksi Miranchuk has shown promising early returns, but it may be too late for this season. 

Defensively, they are vulnerable with Brad Guzan still between the sticks and a defensive unit that leaves something to be desired. They have made giving up late goals something of a trend recently, conceding result changing goals late in the games against Red Bulls, LA Galaxy, and NYCFC in the past month.

Injury Report:

OUT: Ronald Hernández (ankle)

OUT: Xande Silva (foot)

OUT: Quentin Westberg (Concussion Protocol)

Suspended: N/A

International Duty: N/A

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

Last 5: L-W-L-W-W

Last time the two teams faced off, a Kai Wagner wonder strike and an Uhre substitute goal saw the Union battle back for the tie. But, the U themselves gave up 2 soft goals in that game. 

That game was a long time ago. Since then, the defense has largely returned to form. Additionally, with Blake seemingly fit and Andrew Rick’s ascendancy to the backup role, whoever’s in net, the Union will likely be a better place defensively

On offense, the ‘Core Four’ has been in fine form of late. Uhre has scored in 4 straight games, a career first in his time with the Union. Gazdag is still in the Golden Boot race, scoring 17 goals on the year, with 13 coming from open play. Tai Baribo’s straight up insane strike rate continues. He has scored 9 goals in 13 MLS starts. Since the brace against Cinci, he has started 12 out of 13 games, only missing the July 3rd contest at Chicago through injury. Quinn Sullivan is in the midst of a breakout season and his 2 assists performance versus DC seems him bag double digit goal contributions. He now has 3 goals and 10 assists on the year. 

With just 4 games remaining in the season and some big wins necessary in order to clinch, Philly will need everyone in top form to get into the postseason.

Injury Report:

OUT: Isaiah LeFlore (knee)

QUESTIONABLE: Andre Blake (leg)

QUESTIONABLE: Danley Jean Jacques (ankle)

Suspended: N/A

International Duty: N/A

Key Matchup: Flach/Danley vs Miranchuk

Atlanta’s Mirachuk brings necessary European experience to the Atlanta attack. His presence will need to be contained, whether he’s deployed out wide, or in the center. Leon Flach has strung together a few good performances at the base of the Union’s diamond. He will need to continue to do so against the 5 Stripes midfielder, or else all those shots the Union surrendered against DC could turn to goals on Saturday.

If Danley is handed the start, with Curtin stating he will start one of the next two games, Philly Phaithful will get another chance to see how the new signing measures up against MLS opposition. The Haitian midfielder has started to settle in and put in a decent showing against Red Bull in his last start before an ankle injury limited his minutes.

Player to Watch: Quinn Sullivan

The young home grown player has been a creative force this season, second only to Kai Wagner on the team for assists. In lieu of a traditional attacking mid, the Union have had to lean on other positional groups to pull the strings. Sullivan, despite naturally being a winger, has grown accustomed to center mid over the year. Not only is his creation evident, his workrate is notable too. Quinny should continue to contribute in another massive game in the Union’s playoff push.

Prediction: Union 2 – Atlanta 1

The Union have been in great form since breaking their losing streak against New England on July 17th. With that win Philadelphia, has won 5 of their last 7, dropping two results against two good teams in Miami and Columbus. In that same time, Atlanta has gone 2-3-2, beating Columbus at home and edging Charlotte FC on the road. With only 4 games remaining in the regular season, it’s clutch time for these two clubs but only the Union have responded with the urgency required. That should continue on Saturday with the Boys in Blue winning three straight in league play.