Preview: Philadelphia Union vs. DC United - prediction, team news, lineups

The Union are aiming to go one better this year and lift the MLS Cup, whilst DC United will just be focusing on returning to winning ways this time out.

Match preview

Philadelphia recorded back-to-back wins for the first time in MLS this season after a 2-1 success away at Dick's Sporting Goods Park against Colorado Rapids of the Western Conference.

Connor Ronan's first-half penalty put the Rapids into an unexpected lead, before strikes from Kai Wagner and Julian Carranza completed a comeback for the visitors on Saturday.

Jim Curtin's men have endured a difficult May so far, being knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions League and the Open Cup within the space of a week - Union now have only MLS fixtures to focus on until the beginning of the Leagues Cup in late July.

Sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference standings after 11 matches, Philadelphia are seven points behind New England Revolution in first place and need to churn out regular wins in order to catch up.

Danish striker Mikael Uhre has continued his efficiency in attack this campaign and currently leads the team's scoring charts with five goals in 10 MLS appearances - the 28-year-old has been a hit since joining from Brondby in January 2022.

Having finished bottom of the 2022 Supporters Shield, Wayne Rooney will be pleased with how his DC United side have started their campaign at Audi Field and on their travels.

Four-straight wins across all competitions to round off a busy April schedule represented one of the best spells the Manchester United legend has enjoyed in management, however three games without victory in May has brought his men back down to earth.

Last time out saw the Black and Red earn a respectable point out of high-flying Nashville SC, with Theodore Ku-DiPietro's equaliser cancelling out Alex Muyl first of the season for the Eastern Conference's third-placed outfit.

Challenging for a playoff place must be the aim for DC this term, and they currently lie just inside the top nine in the Eastern standings - albeit 15th-placed Toronto are only three points behind.

Rooney's men conceded the most goals in MLS last season but they improved on the defensive side of their game this year, with additions such as former Leeds United enforcer Mateusz Klich providing more protection for the backline.

Philadelphia Union Major League Soccer form:

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Philadelphia Union form (all competitions):

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DC United Major League Soccer form:

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Team News

Philadelphia will be without the services of Venezuelan midfielder Jesus Bueno for the visit of DC on Wednesday - the 24-year-old received a red card just a minute into his substitute appearance against Colorado.

Jose Andres Martinez is a doubt due to his ongoing hamstring injury, with the ex-Zulia midfielder last featuring in Union's CONCACAF Champions League tie with Los Angeles FC last month.

DC United will travel to Subaru Park without Iraqi defender Mohanad Jeahze, with the 26-year-old currently suspended by the club after being arrested due to allegations of assault whilst in Sweden.

Taxiarchis Fountas is a doubt for Wednesday after being forced off within 25 minutes against Nashville at the weekend, with his suspected thigh strain having the potential to keep him out for the trip to Philadelphia at least.

Rooney will also have to do without Chilean winger Martin Rodriguez after he suffered a cruciate ligament injury - one which is expected to keep him sidelined until October.

Nigel Robertha is another player who will be missing for the foreseeable future after breaking his ankle in training last month, with the Dutchman aiming to be back in August.

Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:

Blake; Glenes, Elliot, Lowe; Mbaizo, Bedoya, Flach, McGlynn, Wagner; Gazdag, Carranza

DC United possible starting lineup:

Miller; Palsson; Williams, Pines; Ruan, Klich, Canouse, Samake; Ku-Dipietro, O'Brien, Hurtado

We say: Philadelphia Union 1-0 DC United

Philadelphia have put the disappointment of their CONCACAF Champions League exit behind them in recent matches and will be confident of easing past DC United on home soil.

The Black and Red appear to be a more competitive outfit this year in MLS, however they are likely to struggle against a Union side who are gunning for the Supporters Shield once again this season.

How to watch

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