The Philadelphia Union play the first of a two-match road swing in Florida when they clash with Orlando City at the Exploria Stadium.

Philadelphia has lost just once in their last 11 matches, rising to second place in the Eastern Conference following a 2-1 victory over D.C. United last Saturday while Orlando City has slumped to fourth as they are winless in their last three, having played out a 1-1 draw with Toronto last weekend.

Team news

The Lions will be without Antonio Carlos, who is still injured and Darryl Dike, who is away on Gold Cup duty with the United States. Alexandre Pato is doubtful with a knee injury and Ruan is also a doubt with an unspecified lower-body injury.

Philadelphia is still without Andre Blake, Cory Burke and Alvas Powell as they are away at the Gold Cup. Jack De Vries and Anthony Fontana are in concussion protocol and remain sidelined. Ilsinho continues to recover from groin surgery.

Predicted lineups

Orlando City: Gallese; Smith, Jansson, Schlegel, Moutinho; Mendez, Urso; Michel, Pereyra, Nani; Akindele

Philadelphia: Freese; Wagner, Elliott, Glesnes, Mbaizo; Bedoya. Flach; Monteiro, Martinez; Santos, Przybylko

Ones to watch

Nani has been the main offensive threat for the Lions this season, leading the team with seven goals while Tesho Akindele, Mauricio Pereyra and Chris Mueller all have four assists.

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Sergio Santos and Kacper Przybylko each scored in the victory over D.C. United while Daniel Gazdag provided the assist on Santos' goal, showcasing the talent the Union have in the final third.

Previous meeting

The last matchup between these two sides was July 2020 at the MLS Is Back tournament when their Group A game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Blake denied Akindele in the 28th minute before Brendon Aaronson shot just wide for Philadelphia in the 45th minute. Ilsinho gave the Union the lead with a well-taken finish.

Pereyra leveled two minutes later after getting on the end of a cross from Nani with the result clinching top spot in the group for Orlando City. 

How to watch

The match will be nationally televised by ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm Eastern time.

 

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