A pivotal Eastern Conference clash is on offer at Subaru Park on Saturday night as 1st placed Philadelphia Union takes on U.S. Open Cup Champions Orlando City.

The Union have already confirmed their place in the postseason, but they still fight for the Supporters Shield alongside LAFC. Philadelphia are currently tied on points with LAFC; however, the Black and Gold have a game in hand.

The U claimed three points in their last match away at the New York Red Bulls. Second-half strikes from Mikael Uhre and Daniel Gazdag extended their winning run to four games.

Orlando are on a winning run of their own, with the Lions victorious in all of their last five games in all competitions. 

Oscar Pareja led his side to glory last time out in a 3-0 U.S. Open Cup final win over Sacramento Republic. A pair of goals from Facundo Torres and one for Orlando native Benji Michel gave the Lions their first trophy since joining MLS in 2015.

Philadelphia haven't lost at home this season, while Orlando have only tasted defeat on the road three times this year; a tasty encounter is in store for sure. 

Team news

Jim Curtin faces no injury problems for his Philadelphia side.

As for the visitors, Robin Jansson returned to the bench for the U.S. Open Cup final, but could be used in the lineup on Saturday night, whether that is starting or coming off the bench.   

Alexandre Pato, Joey DeZart and Jack Lynn all remain out.

Predicted lineups 

Philadelphia: Blake, Wagner, Elliott, Glesnes, Mbaizo, Flach, Martínez, Bedoya, Gazdag, Uhre, Carranza. 

Orlando: Gallese, Moutinho, Antonio Carlos, Schlegel, Ruan, Pereyra, Araújo, Mulraney, Urso, Torres, Michel.

Ones to watch

Julián Carranza

It's quite hard to pinpoint a particular one to watch in this Philadelphia side, but I've gone for Julián Carranza.

The 22-year-old joined the Union on loan from Inter Miami in December, which was made permanent in July. After failing to meet expectations in South Florida, it's safe to say that the Argentinian youth international has found a home in Pennsylvania.

14 goals in 27 games, including hat-tricks in both fixtures against DC United, shows why Jim Curtin's men are the top scorers in MLS this season. 

Facundo Torres

It's that man again. The 22-year-old continued his red hot form with two goals and an assist in the Open Cup final.

The Uruguayan has a genuine shout for La Celeste's World Cup roster with six goals and nine assists in league play. 

Last time out

The last meeting between the two clubs came in July, with Philadelphia taking all three points back to Pennsylvania in a controversial clash. 

Daniel Gazdag had the ball in the back of the Orlando net before half-time, and after a lengthy VAR check, the on-field decision of offside was overturned. 

Orlando, who were on very patchy form back then, were denied a penalty by VAR in second-half stoppage time after Antonio Carlos was pulled down in the penalty area. As it looked like the penalty was going to be awarded, the referee decided against pointing to the spot after video review. 

How to watch

Kick-off is set for 7:30pm ET and will be televised on PHL17 for fans in Philadelphia and Fox35 Plus in Orlando. The game will also be streamed nationally on ESPN+.