FC Cincinnati vs Philadelphia Union Prediction

Form: Union motoring, Cincinnati stop-start

Philadelphia Union's recent sample, taken across MLS, the Leagues Cup and other fixtures, shows eleven wins from twenty games with only five defeats. They've scored freely too, outscoring opponents 48 to 31 over that run.

FC Cincinnati: 20 completed matches; Philadelphia Union: 20 completed matches.

FC Cincinnati

20 matches

Win

40% 8 / 20

Draw

25% 5 / 20

Loss

35% 7 / 20

Scored

45

Conceded

45

Difference

0

Philadelphia Union

20 matches

Win

65% 13 / 20

Draw

20% 4 / 20

Loss

15% 3 / 20

Scored

51

Conceded

29

Difference

+22

FC Cincinnati's equivalent sample is far more even: eight wins, six draws and six losses, with goals shared almost exactly down the middle at 45 each way. That's a side capable of scoring plenty but just as capable of leaking goals.

On recent form alone, Philadelphia look the sturdier side, though neither sample is purely about MLS form against this specific calibre of opponent.

Comparative Team Statistics: FC Cincinnati vs Philadelphia Union

Head-to-head: a history with no settled pattern

These two have met many times over the years and the results have swung back and forth across different seasons, with wins for both sides scattered throughout.

The most recent clash, played last month, ended in a heavy home win for Philadelphia Union. That game had the home advantage reversed compared to this fixture, so it's not a direct guide to how things will go at Cincinnati's ground.

Beyond that last result, the head-to-head record doesn't point clearly either way.

League table: Union sit well clear

Philadelphia Union are sixth with 39 points from 27 matches, having won 11 and lost 10 along the way.

FC Cincinnati sit tenth with 33 points from 26 games, a draw-heavy record with nine stalemates mixed among eight wins and nine losses.

There's a clear gap between the two sides in the table right now.

Players to watch and fitness doubts

Cincinnati's attack carries real threat, with Kévin Denkey on 14 goals this season and Evander adding 12 goals plus 8 assists. Philadelphia counter with Mikael Iloski on 13 goals and Frankie Westfield supplying 7 assists.

FC Cincinnati:

Best scorers:

K. Denkey - 14

Evander - 12

Best assist providers:

Evander - 8

Penalty cards:

G. Valenzuela x 2 x 2

O. Nwobodo x 1 x 6

Bryan Josías Ramírez León x 8

Injury list:

M. Miazga

K. Fletcher

Philadelphia Union:

Best scorers:

M. Iloski - 13

Best assist providers:

F. Westfield - 7

Penalty cards:

J. Sery Larsen x 1 x 4

Cavan Sullivan x 1 x 2

E. Alladoh x 1 x 2

On the fitness side, Cincinnati have two questionable entries: Matt Miazga with a leg issue and Killian Fletcher with a knee problem. Neither is confirmed out for this match, but both are worth watching as the date approaches.

Any absence among Cincinnati's defenders would add to a backline that's already shipped plenty of goals this year.

What kind of game to expect

Both sides have shown they can score and concede in bunches this season, and their recent meetings have often followed that pattern too. That points toward an open game rather than a tight, low-scoring one.

Philadelphia's form and league position currently look stronger, while Cincinnati's fitness picture carries a touch of uncertainty. It's still a month out, though, so plenty can change before kickoff.