Preview: Orlando City vs Philadelphia Union – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Nine points are still up for grabs Orlando City And Philadelphia Union On the way to Wednesday night's Major League Soccer game at Euphoria Stadium.

Oscar ParejaThe Union team is already assured of a place in the post-season playoffs, but Union's participation remains uncertain with three games to go.

Game preview

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Orlando's away form had seen them suffer two consecutive defeats against Sporting Kansas City (3-0) and Columbus Crew (4-3), but they bounced back with a convincing 3-1 triumph over FC Dallas at the weekend back on track to claim their fourth MLS win in five games.

The Lions were strong in front of their fans, securing nine of nine points without conceding goals with wins over Nashville (3-0), New England Revolution (3-0) and Charlotte (2-0), and they are looking for a fourth straight victory of triumph at Euphoria Stadium.

Although last year's Supporters Shield runners-up failed to reach their 2023 level, their fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference means they are guaranteed entry into this year's post-season competition, leaving them four points separate from seventh-placed Charlotte and the pair from Toronto and Philadelphia (both nine points behind) in eighth and ninth place.

Although Pareja's men secured a place in the top seven, they will not want to let up ahead of the post-regular season playoffs and their results in Florida will reveal a decline or maintenance of previous levels.

Having struggled for consistency in front of their fans this year, highlighted by a single win as hosts out of nine earlier in the season, Orlando has since dropped just two points from their last six in Florida and is aiming for another triumph at the expense of the Union.

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Like their hosts, Jim CurtinManchester United's men underperformed in 2024 considering they finished fourth in the Eastern Championship and fifth overall in the MLS standings last season.

The U's current ninth-place finish this season is the result of a miserable period from April to July, when the U's managed one win from 17 games.

Philadelphia Union's late-season surge has seen them move up to ninth place, guaranteeing a wildcard chance, but they could still finish in the top seven spots to ensure MLS contention Cup to compete.

Only defeats against Columbus Crew (1-0) and Inter Miami (3-1) as well as a recent draw against Atlanta United (1-1) prevented Curtin's team from reaching maximum points in the last eight games, indicating the improvement and the Pressure from the team underlines for a guaranteed place in the top seven.

With five points separating them from seventh-place Charlotte, the Union may have to settle for an eighth or ninth place finish, although that is uncertain as 10th-place Montreal is tied at 37 points and Atlanta and DC United are tied at 34 points have.

A run of three games unbeaten (seven points) puts them well-equipped to progress to the final rounds of this season, but they will be hoping to maintain this form to avoid missing out on a top nine spot at the end of the regular season .

Orlando City's Major League Soccer form:

Philadelphia Union Major League Soccer form:

Team news

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While Dagur Dan Thorhallsson There are doubts about injury due to a leg problem. David Brekalo (thigh) and Mason Stajduhar (Leg) could miss their midweek game against Orlando.

Ramiro EnriqueGoal scorer and assist in the 3-1 win against Dallas, and Wilder Cartagena They were able to avoid yellow cards in the triumph and are therefore available for the game against Union.

Philadelphia could be without Isaiah LeFlorewho has a knee injury, and Holden Trent because of his hand problem.

Kai Wagner He faced a ban if he had been shown a yellow card in the 1-1 draw with Atlanta, but against Orlando Curtin can rely on the left-back, who created nine chances in the draw.

Possible Orlando City starting lineup:
Gaulish; Smith, Schlegel, Jansson, Santos; Araujo, Cartagena; Torres, Ojeda, Angulo; Enrique

Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Blake; Harriel, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner; Sullivan, Flat, McGlynn; Gazdag; Baribo, clock

We say: Orlando City 2:1 Philadelphia Union

Although Philadelphia has picked up six points in its last three away games, facing Orlando in top form could end the playoff chaser's chances.

While their goalscoring ability away from home could see them pick up points for their eighth consecutive away game, the home side will be hoping to record a fourth straight win at the Euphoria Stadium.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

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