Nashville SC vs Philadelphia Union: MLS Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

When Nashville SC and Philadelphia Union meet on Sunday at Geodis Park, it will be a matchup of two of the best MLS clubs. 

While the guests are atop the Eastern Conference and MLS tables, the hosts find themselves in fifth place overall and third place in the conference.

Previous Matches and Head-to-Head

With four playoff berths (including two quarterfinals) and one MLS Cup appearance since their 2020 debut, Nashville has established itself as a prominent contender in Major League Soccer. 

Nashville had a lethargic 2024 season, finishing 25th in MLS and missing the MLS Cup playoffs, but they have bounced back spectacularly this season. 

With 38 points, enough for third place in the Eastern Conference, the Boys in Gold are in fifth place in the MLS table after 20 games played. They have won eleven, drawn five, and lost four.

Nashville, managed by BJ Callaghan, is riding high as of late. Heading into Sunday's encounter, they have not lost any of their past thirteen games in all competitions, with a record of nine victories and four draws.

Since they are now just two points behind the Philadelphia Union, the league leaders, they might theoretically overtake them at the top of the rankings if the performances of other teams differ.

On the other hand, Bradley Carnell's squad is currently unbeaten in the Eastern Conference in the Major League Soccer standings, so the visitors should provide a formidable challenge. 

In addition to advancing to the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup, the Union have won 12, drawn 4, and lost 4 of their 20 league matches. 

After a rough start to the season in which they dropped three games, drew one, and won four, Philadelphia went on a winning streak of thirteen games in a row. 

On the other hand, they lost their most recent match 1-0 against the Columbus Crew, ending their undefeated record, so Carnell will be hoping his team gets back on track fast on Sunday.

Nashville SC x Philadelphia Union Team News

Injury concerns mean that Maximus Ekk (knee), Taylor Washington (knee), Tyler Boyd (cruciate ligament), and Wyatt Meyer (hamstring) will not be available for Nashville SC to use.

Both Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge should start up front for Nashville. Surridge has scored 16 goals in 20 MLS appearances, with 10 of those goals coming in his previous six games. Mukhtar has also had an incredible season, with eight goals and five assists. 

With a perfect 13-game winning streak and a pair of shutouts in their last three games, Nashville will likely stick with the same defense unit on Sunday.

Philadelphia Union will be without injured players Francis Westfield (ankle), Ian Glavinovich (meniscus), Mikael Uhre (groin), and Olivier Mbaizo (groin). 

Sunday might see the return of Tai Baribo, the leading scorer for the Union with 13 goals in 16 league outings, but sidelined since June with a calf injury. 

Bruno Damiani and Chris Donovan might start up front, as Baribo will likely sit on the bench. 

Our Predictions

This clash between two of the best and most in-form teams in Major League Soccer promises to be an exciting and competitive encounter. However, the home club will likely come out on top, as Nashville's streak is still going strong and Philadelphia's undefeated record came to a halt in their previous match. 

The Union has been without its leading scorer since Baribo's departure, and Surridge's recent goal-scoring record, together with the possibility of Baribo's absence, bodes poorly for their chances of winning.

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