Nashville SC Gears Up for Showdown Against Conference Leaders Philadelphia Union

Nashville SC vs Philadelphia Union - 07/06/2025

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Saturday’s meeting at Geodis Park showcases two of the Eastern Conference’s most consistent sides this season, Nashville SC and Philadelphia Union. Both clubs have demonstrated resilience and efficiency, but the matchup’s dynamics hint at a tactical contest where every detail may shape the outcome.

Nashville SC approach this fixture boasting a formidable recent run. The team is undefeated in 17 of their last 20 matches in all competitions, including an impressive 92 percent unbeaten streak across the previous 12 Major League Soccer matches. At home, they have been particularly tough to break down, avoiding defeat in 80 percent of their last 15 league fixtures.

Yet, history tilts slightly in Philadelphia’s favor for this matchup, especially at Geodis Park. Nashville has failed to win any of their last three home meetings against the Union, losing two and drawing one. This trend presents a mental hurdle that Gary Smith’s men will hope to clear as they look to assert home advantage against the league leaders.

The hosts’ most recent form hints at a team finding balance. Over six matches, Nashville has secured four wins and two draws, conceding an average of just 1.17 goals per game. Their attacking output doesn’t dazzle, averaging two goals per contest, but their efficiency in the final third and disciplined defending have underpinned their steady climb to third in the standings.

Philadelphia Union arrive in Nashville at the top of the Eastern Conference. Jim Curtin’s squad are undefeated in 80 percent of their recent 20 league matches. Key to their success has been an away form marked by resilience they have avoided defeat in 83 percent of their last six away games, and their goal difference, currently at plus 15, is one of the strongest in the league.

Across their past six matches, the Union have claimed three wins and two draws, their defensive record especially robust, allowing just one goal per game on average. However, their attack has been less prolific on the road, managing only 0.33 goals per match in their last three away trips.

Looking to the starting elevens, Nashville will be without several key names. Defenders Taylor Washington and midfielder Maximus Ekk are sidelined with knee injuries, while Walker Zimmerman, Jacob Shaffelburg, and Xavier Valdez are on national team duty. Smith is likely to stick with his trusted 4-3-3, led by Joe Willis in goal, backed by Andy Najar, Jeisson Palacios, Jack Maher, and Daniel Lovitz in defense. The midfield trio should comprise Gastón Brugman, Patrick Yazbek, and Jonathan Perez, while the front line features Alex Muyl, Hany Mukhtar, and Sam Surridge.

Philadelphia’s injury list is shorter, with Ian Glavinovich out due to a knee issue, allowing Curtin to maintain continuity. Expect Andrew Rick to start in goal. Defense is likely to include Alejandro Bedoya, Jakob Glesnes, Olwethu Makhanya, and Kai Wagner. The diamond midfield may feature Indiana Vassilev, Jeremy Rafanello, Jovan Lukić, and Ben Bender, while up top, Bruno Damiani and Indiana Vassilev are expected to partner in attack.

Key battles may develop in midfield, with Nashville’s disciplined press against Philadelphia’s composure on the ball. Set pieces could prove decisive; both sides have defenders and midfielders who threaten from dead-ball scenarios.

Neither team concedes possession easily, but the stats show the Union with a slight edge in maintaining possession and shots on goal across recent matches. Nashville, by contrast, have compensated for lesser possession figures with efficiency and tight defending.

The Forebet prediction algorithm gives Philadelphia the nod, assigning a 39 percent probability to a Union win, which aligns with their form and previous meetings. Still, Nashville’s recent home form means a tightly contested match is anticipated, with the smallest of margins likely making the difference.

Probable Lineups

Nashville SC (4-3-3): Joe Willis (G), Andy Najar (D), Jeisson Palacios (D), Jack Maher (D), Daniel Lovitz (D), Gastón Brugman (M), Patrick Yazbek (M), Jonathan Perez (M), Alex Muyl (A), Hany Mukhtar (A), Sam Surridge (A)

Philadelphia Union (4-4-2): Andrew Rick (G), Alejandro Bedoya (D), Jakob Glesnes (D), Olwethu Makhanya (D), Kai Wagner (D), Indiana Vassilev (M), Jeremy Rafanello (M), Jovan Lukić (M), Ben Bender (M), Bruno Damiani (A), Indiana Vassilev (A)

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Away team

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coef.

Us1

Nashville SC Philadelphia Union 06/07/2025 02:30

332839

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0 - 1

1.50

77°F

+280

-119 +280 +280 no no no

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1 - 0(0 - 0)

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