On Saturday, the Philadelphia Union open their preseason with a tilt against the North American Soccer League’s Jacksonville Armada FC.

Last year, Philadelphia faced off against Jacksonville to start their preseason and suffered a 3-1 defeat after the Armada scored two goals within the first 15 minutes of the first half. It was Jacksonville’s first game in their history.

While there is the revenge angle, the Union will almost certainly be looking to build up some team chemistry after the team’s major overhaul in the offseason.

Jacksonville will also be searching for some good momentum this preseason after finishing in last place in the combined NASL season. Former United States International Tony Meola was hired as the new coach for the upcoming 2016 NASL season.

In their first organized game of 2016, there will be a couple of things to watch for from the Blue and Gold.

Will Head Coach Jim Curtin go 4-3-3 or stick with 4-2-3-1?

This offseason has seen rumors swirl that Philadelphia will switch from their 4-2-3-1 to a Dutch-style 4-3-3 under the tutelage of new Sporting Director Earnie Stewart. 

The 4-5-1 looks similar to a 4-3-3, but the two wingers are more withdrawn. Further, the 4-2-3-1 has two holding midfielders or, with the Union, a double pivot, which protects the backline.

On the other hand, the 4-3-3 is very much dependent on team football with everyone contributing to all aspects of the game. For example, the fullbacks are responsible for getting up on offense and overlapping with the two wingers up top without abandoning their defensive duties.

To add, the two wingers up top must also play offense but also are tasked with helping to protect the flanks on defense with the three central midfielders controlling the middle passing channels.

The 4-3-3 needs players to continually be running and moving to work. With that said, expect Curtin to rotate his squad throughout this preseason game with fresh legs, if they opt for the 4-3-3.

How will the new pieces gel?

To put it frankly, Stewart tore this Philadelphia roster apart with a multitude of moves. Players such as rookies Keegan Rosenberry and Josh Yaro will likely see their first minutes in a Union jersey on Saturday night. In addition to the rookies, the returning Leo Fernandes and newly acquired Roland Alberg, Walter Retrepo as well as Chris Pontius will also have to find their niche within this squad.

The process of each player building the necessary rapport for this team will not happen overnight and it will likely take time for these players to understand how the players next to them will play. This will certainly be a major question to keep in mind if Philadelphia does institute a 4-3-3 this season.

In the end, this preseason game for Philadelphia is about building back up fitness levels as well as trying to gel as a team.  A victory will likely be a secondary thought for the squad in their first match together.

The preseason match will be played at Community First Park at The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville with kickoff scheduled for 6 PM EST. The game will not be televised but will be shown on the Philadelphia Union’s website.

VAVEL will be live tweeting the matchup at: @VAVEL_UNION