Nashville SC vs. Philadelphia Union Prediction, Preview and Odds - 7/3/21
Nashville SC vs Philadelphia Union
Nashville SC will host Philadelphia Union in an MLS Eastern Conference fixture between the 6th and 3rd place clubs respectively in the conference standings. Nashville is sixth in the conference standings with a record of 3-6-1, 15 points and a +2 goal difference. Nashville rallied for a 1-1 draw at home with CF Montreal in its most recent MLS fixture on Saturday. Nashville trailed late in the match, but a late equalizer by Abu Danladi in stoppage time in the 94th minute gave Nashville a hard-fought draw and a share of the spoils at home. Nashville is tied on points with fifth-place Columbus Crew but trails in goal difference +7 to +2.
Philadelphia Union is third in the conference standings with a record of 5-4-2, 19 points and a +5 goal difference. Philadelphia trails second-place Orlando City SC by two points and is only four points adrift of first-place New England. Philadelphia earned a 3-3 draw on the road against the Chicago Fire last Saturday. Scoring for Philadelphia were Quinn Sullivan in the 28th minute and Cory Burke in first-half stoppage time. Philadelphia's final goal was on an own goal by Chicago’s Boris Sekulic in the 79th minute which leveled the score at 3-3.
Nashville’s Defense Beginning to Crack
Nashville has had one of the best backlines and goalkeepers in MLS over the last season-plus, but a few cracks are appearing. Nashville has allowed two goals in three of the last four matches played resulting in 1 win, 1 loss and 2 draws. Overall this season in 10 matches played Nashville is allowing an average of 1.10 goals per match, but over the most recent 4 matches is allowing an average of 1.75 goals per match. Joe Willis has allowed 11 goals in 10 appearances for Nashville.
On attack, Nashville is averaging 2.00 goals per match in its last two matches played but prior to that were scoring an average of only 1.50 goals per match in the first eight matches of the season. Nashville has only won three matches while earning a draw in six, with much of that due to a lack of scoring. Hany Mukhtar is the leading goal scorer for Nashville with three while three others have scored two goals each. Daniel Lovitz and Randall Leal each have two assists to lead Nashville.
Philadelphia Scoring Fuels Union’s Success
Philadelphia Union has gone eight consecutive matches without a loss. The Union continues to put up big numbers on the scoreboard. Philadelphia has scored nine goals in its last four matches resulting in two wins and two draws. Overall this season Philadelphia is scoring an average of 2.18 goals per match but has averaged 2.25 goals per match over the last four. Cory Burke is the leading goal scorer for Philadelphia in MLS action with 4 while Kacper Przybyklo has scored three. Jamiro Moteiro has the lead in assists with four.
Although Philadelphia's third in the Eastern Conference standings and is unbeaten in each of his last eight MLS fixtures, the Union must tighten up its leaky backline. Philadelphia has allowed five goals over the last three matches resulting in 1 win and 2 draws and just five points out of a possible 9. This season, Philadelphia is allowing an average of 1.00 goals per match across all competition, which includes MLS and CONCACAF Champions league play. Goalkeeper Andre Blake has allowed eight goals in 11 appearances.
Side: Philadelphia Union +266
Philadelphia Union has a much stronger attack than Nashville. The Union has scored 24 goals this season compared to just 13 for Nashville. The Union backline has given up a bit more than Nashville but its attack will compensate for that by breaking down the Nashville defense with constant pressure from crosses in the box. Nashville had a strong backline to start the season, but has allowed 1.75 goals per match over the last four matches and faces one of the strongest frontlines and midfield’s in the MLS.
Total: over 2.5
Nashville has been known for its ability to hold opponents to few goals, but the club has been scored upon at a rate of 1.75 goals per match over the last four. Philadelphia has one of the best attacks in the MLS behind Cory Burke, Kacper Przybylko and Jamiro Monteiro. The total has finished over the 2.5 goals per match threshold in three of Philadelphia's last four matches and in two of Nashville’s last four.
