Photo courtesy of Kevin Barrett

Who: Philadelphia Union at FC Cincinnati

What: MLS Matchday 34

When: Saturday, October 31st, 2:00 PM EST

Where: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Watch: Apple TV

Whistle: Allen Chapman (REF), Lyes Arfa (AR1), Meghan Mullen (AR2), Marcos DeOliveira (4TH), Edvin Jurisevic (VAR), TJ Zablocki (AVAR)

The Philadelphia Union enter the penultimate game of the MLS season having already secured their playoff qualification; a truly miraculous situation given where the club was entering the World Cup break. But the Union still have much to play for, and could rise as high as 4th in the Eastern Conference depending on results over these last two weeks, which would give them the advantage in the home-away-home format of Round One of the MLS playoffs.

FC Cincinnati, meanwhile, sit eighth in the East and are fighting for their playoff lives. A win versus the Union would be enough to clinch a berth, but Cincinnati can also get in with a loss, or even a draw, depending on results elsewhere.

Scouting Report: FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati had been one of the more consistent sides in MLS over the past few seasons, but this season has seen them stumble. Pat Noonan’s men have conceded an astonishing 73 goals this season (2.28 per game), while talented attackers Kévin Denkey (17 goals) and Evander (14 goals, 17 assists) have kept them in the running.

Despite their up-and-down season, Cincy enter Saturday’s game on a decent run of form. Cincy’s last three games have seen them earn two victories over lowly DC United, as well as a draw at Inter Miami. With rivals Columbus Crew just two points behind them in the playoff race, Cincy will be desperate to keep that good run of form going.

Injury Report: OUT: Tyrell Malacia (Leg), Julián Malatini (Leg), Miles Robinson (Leg), QUESTIONABLE: Ender Echenique (Leg)

Scouting Report: Philadelphia Union

A short-handed Philadelphia Union did well to endure a minor injury crisis and earn a point against league-leading Nashville SC midweek. Now, the Union will start to get their attackers back, as Bruno Damiani returns from yellow card suspension, and Cavan Sullivan is expected to play after a two-game injury absence. Unfortunately Milan Iloski remains out with a hamstring injury; all eyes will be on whether the Union’s leading scorer can make it back in time for the playoffs.

Philly are down another crucial player in the midfield, with Danley Jean Jacques suspended for yellow card accumulation. Expect loyal servant Jesús Bueno to step up in his absence, while Frankie Westfield should work back into the lineup on the backline.

Injury Report: OUT: Alejandro Bedoya (Eye), Milan Iloski (Hamstring), Danley Jean Jacques (Suspended), Japhet Sery Larsen (Concussion), QUESTIONABLE: Geiner Martinez (Knee)

Matchup to Watch: Bruno Damiani vs. Nick Hagglund

Before his suspension, Damiani was in the best form of his MLS career, with nine goals in his last eight games. With Iloski out, Damiani will bear more attacking responsibility and receive extra attention from the Cincy defense, including long-time MLS veteran Hagglund, who is no stranger to a physical matchup.

Player to Watch: Jovan Lukić

Lukić does not usually capture much attention at the base of midfield, but with Danley suspended, the Serbian will be crucial if the Union are to maintain control of the dangerous Cincinnati attack.

Score Prediction: Philadelphia Union 3-2 FC Cincinnati

With Cavan returning from injury, I expect the Union to have enough fire power to beat this struggling FC Cincinnati defense.