In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke with Joe Lister of Philadelphia Soccer Now to learn more about the Philadelphia Union, New York City FC's opponent on Wednesday night. Here is your NYCFC vs Philadelphia preview.
• League Form (All Comps): L-W-L-D-L
• Record: 7W, 9D, 12L | 30 points, 11th place
• Scoring Leader: Dániel Gazdag, 14 goals
• Assist Leader: Kai Wagner, 7 assists
1. Andre's Blake injury and Philadelphia's playoff chances
Hudson River Blue: After a rocky start to the season, Philadelphia picked up its form in the summer and is now not far from a playoff spot. Philadelphia could still miss the playoffs for the first time since 2017, but what has the team done to make a name for itself as a potential playoff team?
Joe Lister: I think getting one win at home and getting some momentum in Leagues Cup certainly helped. The Union won't make the playoffs – I'd put money on that. The Eastern Conference is too close and the Union's schedule is too tight. Really, having Andre Blake back was a massive help that Jim Curtin saw coming from miles away. However, Blake's injured again with another groin injury. Curtin said today that Blake is "day-to-day," so that's not looking positive.
2. Philadelphia's home form has improved
HRB: With only 13 points, Philadelphia has the second-worst home record in MLS. But on the road, Philadelphia is much stronger, picking up 17 points, which is superior to teams like the New York Red Bulls, NYCFC, and Charlotte FC. Why is Philadelphia better away from Subarau Park?
JL: In the beginning of the season, I think the Union were just overthinking it. When Philadelphia teams suck, they don't necessarily want to hear it from their fans, and Union fans reminded the team just how upset they were each matchday. As you said, the Union's form has picked up a little bit. However, again, I feel like a lot of this hinges on Blake's health. The Union are certainly more comfortable at home than they used to be, but don't count on them to play particularly well at any stadium.
3. Philadelphia needs a miracle to beat NYCFC
HRB: NYCFC have struggled at home against Philadelphia in recent years, with the away side winning the last two games. What does Philadelphia need to do to continue that on Wednesday?
JL: Realistically, the Union need to find the favor of the Lord to win Wednesday's game. Jack Elliott is suspended for a match at center back. Blake and Danley Jean Jacques are likely going to be unavailable or limited in minutes. Obviously, the Union do a good job of turning it on when they play NYCFC, but this is a beaten and bad Union team. To actually answer your question, Tai Baribo and Mikael Uhre will need to make a big impact. With Blake out, the Union will need goals to insure some sort of result. If the Union can score three times, they'll have a chance at earning important road points.
4. The X-Factor: Andrew Rick's performance
HRB: What's the X-factor that could decide this game?
JL: I really think it comes down to Blake's injury. I hate sounding like a broken record, but 18-year-old Andrew Rick doesn't hold a candle to the greatest MLS keeper ever (and that's no diss against Rick, who I really like as the future of the club). If Blake can run, dive, and get back up, the Union will stand a chance.
5. Predicted score, Starting XI
HRB: Prediction time: Starting XI? Final score?
JL: 3-1 New York City. It's just been really rough for Philly this year, and myself and a lot of folks have quit on this team.
