Nine points are left on offer for Orlando City and Philadelphia Union heading into Wednesday night's Major League Soccer match-up at Euphoria Stadium.
Oscar Pareja's side are already assured of a place in the post-season playoffs, but the Union's involvement remains in the air with three matches remaining.
Match preview
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Orlando's away form had seen them suffer back-to-back losses against Sporting Kansas City (3-0) and Columbus Crew (4-3), but they returned to winning ways at the weekend with a convincing 3-1 triumph over FC Dallas to notch their fourth MLS win in five games.
The Lions have been strong in front of their fans, securing nine points from nine without conceding in wins over Nashville (3-0), New England Revolution (3-0) and Charlotte (2-0), and they seek a fourth straight triumph at Euphoria Stadium.
Although last year's Supporters Shield runners-up have not matched their 2023 level, they are guaranteed participation in this year's post-season competition given their fourth-placed ranking in the Eastern Conference, with four points separating them from seventh-placed Charlotte and the pair of Toronto and Philadelphia (both nine points behind) in eighth and ninth respectively.
Despite sealing a top-seven spot, Pareja's men will not want to let up before the post-regular season playoffs, and their results in Florida will reveal any dip or the sustaining of previous levels.
After struggling for consistency in front of their supporters this year, underscored by recording a sole victory as hosts in nine to start the season, Orlando have since dropped just two points from the recent six in Florida and seek another triumph at the Union's expense.
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Like their hosts, Jim Curtin's men have underperformed in 2024, considering last season's fourth-place finish in the Eastern and fifth overall in the MLS standings.
This term's current ninth-place position is an upshot of a wretched period from April to July when the U picked up one victory from 17 fixtures.
Philadelphia Union's late-season upswing has seen them rise to ninth, which guarantees a wild-card shot, but they could still end in the top seven spots to be assured of competing for the MLS Cup.
Only losses to Columbus Crew (1-0) and Inter Miami (3-1) and a recent draw with Atlanta United (1-1) have prevented Curtin's team from notching maximum points in the last eight matches, underscoring the team's improvement and push for a guaranteed place in the top seven.
With five points separating them from seventh-placed Charlotte, the Union may have to settle for finishing eighth or ninth, even if that is uncertain with 10th-placed Montreal level on 37 points and the pair of Atlanta and DC United tied on 34.
A three-match undefeated sequence (seven points) stands them in good stead heading into the concluding rounds this term, but they hope to sustain that form to avoid missing out on finishing in the first nine spots at the end of the regular season.
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Team News
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While Dagur Dan Thorhallsson is an injury doubt due to a leg issue, David Brekalo (thigh) and Mason Stajduhar (leg) may miss out for Orlando in their midweek match.
Ramiro Enrique, scorer and assister in the 3-1 win against Dallas, and Wilder Cartagena avoided yellow cards in the triumph, which makes them available for selection against the Union.
Philadelphia could be without Isaiah LeFlore, who has a knee injury, and Holden Trent due to the latter's hand issue.
Kai Wagner was at risk of suspension had he picked up a yellow in the 1-1 stalemate against Atlanta, but Curtin can count on the left-back — who created nine chances in the draw — against Orlando.
Orlando City possible starting lineup:
Gallese; Smith, Schlegel, Jansson, Santos; Araujo, Cartagena; Torres, Ojeda, Angulo; Enrique
Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Blake; Harriel, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner; Sullivan, Flach, McGlynn; Gazdag; Baribo, Uhre
We say: Orlando City 2-1 Philadelphia Union
Although Philadelphia have secured six points from their last three road matches, facing an in-form Orlando could scupper the playoff-chasing side's prospects.
While their goalscoring proficiency away from home could see them score for the eighth road match in succession, the home side will back themselves to notch a fourth consecutive victory at Euphoria Stadium.
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