Philadelphia Union vs Charlotte - Match Preview
- Philadelphia Union are unbeaten in their last 5 MLS matches (W3, D2).
- Philadelphia Union have won 5, drawn 3 and lost only 1 of their 9 home MLS matches this season.
Union have been the masters of the east coast
Our Philadelphia Union vs Charlotte prediction highlights that Philadelphia Union have been the class of the USA MLS 2025 with 34 points from 17 games and they should get the better of an improving Charlotte on Saturday.
Bradley Carnell has been in charge of the Union since January 2025 and his tactical acumen has maintained Philadelphia's high-tempo pressing and defensive structure.
The Union have won three and drawn two of their most recent five MLS games – drawing 3-3 at home to Inter Miami, winning 2-1 away to Toronto FC and then grinding out a 0-0 draw at FC Dallas.
Julián Carranza’s ability to play off the last defender or play in behind with his movement and ability to combine makes him the fulcrum of Philadelphia’s attack.
Tai Baribo is their biggest threat with 13 goals in 16 MLS appearances this campaign and he has 3 of their last 10 goals, so they will have enough firepower to take on Charlotte. This Philadelphia Union vs Charlotte preview suggests that Union's attacking threat may prove decisive.
Charlotte must maintain momentum
Charlotte have been in mixed form with two wins and three defeats in their last five MLS outings, but they bounced back from their 0-2 away defeat to the New York Red Bulls with a 2-0 victory at Toronto FC last weekend.
The result kept the North Carolina side in the hunt for a playoff spot, although it is still an uphill battle for them to break into the top 12 after they have taken only 25 points from 17 matches and sit 13th in the USA MLS 2025 table. Dean Smith’s men have been much more solid since he took over in December 2023, but their limited away success could be their undoing.
Kerwin Vargas gives them an outlet off the flank with his pace and skill on the ball and will make some telling runs off the ball to stretch defences. Patrick Agyemang has been their talisman up top with 6 goals in 16 MLS outings in this campaign and has 5 of their last 10 goals, so he could be their main threat again this weekend. For those considering Philadelphia Union vs Charlotte betting tips, Charlotte's inconsistent form away from home is an important factor to weigh.
Carnell’s men can hold their own
This Philadelphia Union vs Charlotte prediction takes into account that Philadelphia will have a big advantage in the draw no bet market as they come into the game at 1.50 favourites with Charlotte drifting out to 3.30.
The Philadelphia Union vs Charlotte odds clearly show that the bookies have more faith in the hosts, who have a slight edge in the head-to-head record with two wins, two draws and one defeat from the last five meetings in all competitions.
There is no bad blood between these clubs, but with both in the playoff race, every point is precious and they will be up for this.
Philly’s home advantage is a major factor as they have won five of nine this season, while Charlotte have conceded 18 goals in nine road games in MLS 2025.
The direct and high-tempo style of Philadelphia should disrupt Charlotte’s patient possession game and vice versa, so this could be a real chess match.
But our final Philadelphia Union vs Charlotte prediction is that Philadelphia have been scoring plenty of goals at home with 20 in nine matches this term, which is an average of over two per game in MLS 2025, so should have enough to edge this one out.
