Atlanta United travel to Subaru Park to face off against Philadelphia Union on October 4 in MLS Matchday 36.

The Five Stripes dismantled CF Montreal last time out, winning 4-1 in front of their supporters at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Head coach Gonzalo Pineda chose arguably his strongest starting lineup for the game, and after not being in action since September 23, he’ll likely choose a similar starting XI to take on the Union.

On the other hand, Philadelphia are coming off a 1-1 draw with Eastern Conference foes Columbus Crew. Jim Curtin’s team have drawn their last five games in MLS play with their last victory coming against New York Red Bulls on September 3, a 4-1 rout vs their rivals.

The two sides have already punched their tickets to the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs, as Atlanta sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings with 49 points and will look to leapfrog the Union with a win, who are in fourth place in the East with 51 points.

Philadelphia Union vs Atlanta United H2H record

There are no new fresh injury concerns for Atlanta after their win over Montreal as they’ve rested up over the past week-and-a-half. But Midfielder Ozzie Alonso is expected to miss the game as he’s still recovering from a knee injury.

Atlanta United predicted lineup vs Philadelphia Union ( 4-2-3-1 ): Guzan; Lennon, Robinson, Abram, Wiley; Muyumba, Rossetto; Lobjanidze, Almada, Silva; Giakoumakis.

Defender Jakob Glesnes, who’s started 28 games this season, will miss the game due to an abdominal injury, and he’s expected to return to action later this month.

Midfielder Leon Flach remains out also with an abdominal injury, while star midfielder Jose Martinez was forced off in their draw 2-2 draw against Charlotte FC on September 20. Martinez won’t be back until later in November, when the Union hope to be close to capturing MLS Cup.

Philadelphia have proven to be a tough side to overcome at home, and this one will be no different. As the Union love to hit teams on the counter-attack, this game plays right into their hands due to Atlanta’s possession-based style of play.

The Union will look to soak up the pressure that the Five Stripes will inflict upon them and strike quickly in transition with the likes of Julian Carranza and Mikael Uhre going forward. If Atlanta wanst to leave Subara Park with three points, they must get on the scoresheet first. It’ll be close but Philadelphia will just about edge the visitors.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2-1 Atlanta United

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