Two teams desperate to make the MLS Cup playoffs will face off on Sunday with three important points at stake. Philadelphia Union host DC United in Subaru Park.

With a 5-1 win over New York City FC on Wednesday, the Union is in the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and is ahead on goal difference of DC United, which played 0-0 with NYCFC last weekend.

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On Wednesday, Union capitalized on its playoff desperation, scoring three goals in just over half an hour and increasing the pressure throughout the 90 minutes.

This was their second triumph in the last three league games and they now have their playoff fate in their hands again as the season nears its final stretch.

Jim CurtinThe men have the chance to win consecutive MLS matches for only the third time this year and the first time since July this weekend.

Philly picked up points in three of their last four home games in this competition, but lost their last league game at Subaru Park against the Columbus Crew (1-0).

In 2024, the Union were unusually weak at home, recording only three home wins, tying the team with the San Jose Earthquakes for the fewest wins in MLS.

The Union are unbeaten in six consecutive competitive matches against DC and have won their last two league games against them in Chester by an aggregate margin of 7-0.

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While most MLS teams were fighting for a better position in the table this week, the Black and Reds had a few extra days to prepare for the final sprint and end their four-year playoff drought.

DC picked up seven out of nine possible points in their last three league games and lost only one of their previous six domestic games.

With a win on Sunday, Troy LesesneNot only will the team move into a playoff spot, but they will also surpass their number of MLS away wins from last season (four).

The Black and Reds have won three away games in a row in the MLS and five away games in a row in all competitions.

Their poor defensive structure has been their undoing in 2024, conceding the second most goals in the Eastern Conference (57) with a goal differential of -13 while the Union is at +6, which is the only thing keeping DC out of a playoff spot at the moment.

It has been over a decade since DC United last beat the Union at Subaru Park, winning 1-0 in May 2014.

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Team News

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In the victory over New York City FC, Union was missing its regular goalkeeper and captain Andre Blake because of a sore groin, while Isaiah LeFlore sat out due to an injury to his right knee.

Jack Elliott had to abandon the previous game due to several yellow cards, but the English centre-back is likely to return to the starting line-up on Saturday.

Tai Baribo brought his team into the lead in the Bronx after 15 minutes, Mikael Uhre And Daniel Gazdagi scored before the end of the half, while Jacob Glesnes And Jesus Good scored a goal in the last 45 minutes.

Last weekend DC were without Matai Akinmboni And Jackson Hopkins due to ankle problems, David Schnegg had to take a break due to a calf injury and Conner Antley will probably be out for the rest of the season due to a torn cruciate ligament.

Mateusz Klich is eligible to play again after his yellow card suspension, but Lucas Bartlett will miss this encounter after receiving another booking last Saturday.

Christian Benteke converted a second-half penalty to help his team secure a point in their last game. The Belgian leads the MLS Golden Boot rankings with 19 goals, two more than Chico Arango, Denis Bouanga And Luis Suarez.

Possible starting eleven of Philadelphia Union:
Rick; Mbaizo, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner; Flat; Bedoya, McGlynn; Gazdag; Clock, Baribo

Possible DC United starting lineup:
Bono; Herrera, Peltola, McVey, Santos; Dajome, Rodriguez, Ku-DiPietro, Pirani; Stroud, Benteke

We think: Philadelphia Union 2-0 DC United

It will soon be a case of now or never for both teams, and we trust that the Union’s experience will find a way to victory as it has in countless big games over the years.

Click here to see a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match.

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