Preview: Philadelphia Union vs. Charlotte FC - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors currently sit two places behind their opponents in the Major Soccer League Eastern Conference, but a win would see them draw level on points.

Match preview

Philadelphia Union have been putting together an impressive run as of late which kickstarted after being knocked out of the US Open Cup which seems to have lit a fire under the team.

Since that point Jim Curtin's men have not lost a single game, which has allowed them to climb up to fourth in the Eastern Conference, and a victory in midweek could push them to second depending on other results.

The Union came back from behind to defeat New York City FC during their most recent outing, with a brace from Julian Carranza in additional time of the first half being followed up by a goal from Daniel Gazdag securing the 3-1 win.

Considering the fact that Curtin's men have been stronger at home than on the road this season, having lost just a single game at Subaru Park there will be no shortage of confidence in the group on Thursday.

A big reason for that is the strong defensive performances they have been putting together at home, conceding just five goals so far which is a run they will look to continue.

That is the opposite to how the visitors have been on the road, as only one team in the top half of the MLS Eastern Conference has conceded more goals than them in away games.

However, Charlotte FC will be looking to replicate the same form that Philadelphia Union have been displaying following their US Open Cup exit, as the Crown were recently knocked out themselves.

Since the surprise defeat against Birmingham Legion FC Christian Lattanzio's men have only played once, but it did result in them picking up three points.

This past weekend saw them defeat Los Angeles Galaxy by a goal to nil in what proved to be a tight game that was decided by a Karol Swiderski goal.

With Charlotte FC able to catch Philadelphia Union in the league table with a victory there is plenty to play for in this match, and that should lead to a tight contest.

Philadelphia Union Major League Soccer form:

W

W

W

D

W

W

Philadelphia Union form (all competitions):

L

W

W

D

W

W

Charlotte FC Major League Soccer form:

L

W

W

W

L

W

Team News

Carranza is sure to start on Thursday after scoring a brace in Philadelphia Union's most recent outing, as he looks to lead the line once again.

Gazdag is another obvious attacking threat for the hosts who has scored in the two most recent matches for the hosts which he will be hoping can continue this time around.

For the visitors, there could be an argument for no changes being made by Lattanzio considering his men picked up a 1-0 win at the weekend, showcasing great defensive structure with the 4-3-3 formation.

Charlotte FC will be without Enzo Copetti, McKinze Gaines and Ben Bender for this game as they are all dealing with injury problems.

George Marks and Kamil Jozwiak also missed out on the recent win against LA Galaxy, however they were questionable heading into that one and with a few extra days of rest they could be in contention here.

Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:

Blake; Harriel, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner; Bedoya, Martinez, McGlynn; Gazdag, Uhre; Carranza

Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:

Kahlina; Lindsey, Malanda, Sobocinski, Byrne; Westwood, Bronico, Cambridge; Swiderski, Vargas, Meram

We say: Philadelphia Union 2-1 Charlotte FC

There is not much to split these two teams in the league table and that could lead to a competitive and closely contested match in midweek.

However, the impressive run of form that Philadelphia Union are enjoying should give them an advantage in terms of momentum that could be decisive.

How to watch

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