Sports Mole previews Saturday's Major League Soccer clash between Philadelphia Union and Colorado Rapids, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

MLS Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union will look to claim back-to-back victories when they play host to Colorado Rapids on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Colorado will be aiming to end a three-game winless run as they bid to make a late push for the playoffs.

Match preview

Kai Wagner in action for Philadelphia Union on August 17, 2022 © Reuters

Philadelphia will head into Saturday's contest in confident mood after thrashing DC United 6-0 last weekend.

Mikael Uhre opened the scoring before Daniel Gazdag doubled the lead from the spot in first-half stoppage time to give Philadelphia a two-goal advantage at the break.

A second half hat-trick from Julian Carranza took the tally to five, while Cory Burke also found the net to wrap up a memorable 6-0 victory.

The comprehensive win leaves Jim Curtin's side five points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference with only seven matches left to play.

Unbeaten at home this season, Philadelphia will now turn their attention to Saturday's contest where they will look to clinch a sixth consecutive home victory.

Colorado Rapids head coach Robin Fraser on August 20, 2022 © Reuters

Colorado currently sit in 11th position ahead of Saturday's contest, with two points separating them from the Western Conference playoffs.

Although Colorado have lost only two of their last nine matches, they are winless in their previous three encounters.

After drawing 1-1 at home to Columbus Crew, Robin Fraser's side were unable to record a positive result in Canada, losing 2-1 to Vancouver Whitecaps.

They looked on course to bounce back with a home win against Houston Dynamo last weekend after Lalas Abubakar gave Colorado the lead, but Sebastian Ferreira's late equaliser denied the hosts three points.

With five of their final eight games taking place away from home, Colorado will need to improve upon a record that has seen them win only one of their 12 away matches this season.

Philadelphia Union Major League Soccer form:

Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer form:

Team News

Andre Blake in action for Philadelphia Union on August 13, 2022 © Reuters

Philadelphia have no reported injury issues ahead of Saturday's contest, with Curtin set to name an unchanged lineup following the 6-0 win over DC United.

If Curtin does decide to use the same starting XI then Burke will have to settle for a place on the bench despite scoring last weekend.

Carranza took his tally for the season to 12 with his hat-trick against DC United, and he will be aiming to find the net once again when he partners Uhre up front.

As for the visitors, Jack Price and Oliver Larraz are ruled out with calf and leg injuries respectively, while Aboubacar Keita and Braian Galvan are also sidelined.

Keegan Rosenberry is a doubt after being withdrawn due to an injury issue last weekend, and if the right-back is not fit enough, he will be replaced by Steven Beitashour.

After being sent off last weekend, Bryan Acosta will be suspended for Saturday's contest, which could present Max with a starting opportunity.

Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Blake; Mbaizo, Glesnes, Elliot, Wagner; McGlynn, Martinez, Bedoya, Gazdag; Carranza, Uhre

Colorado Rapids possible starting lineup:
Yarbrough; Beitashour, Wilson, Abubakar, Esteves; Gutierrez, Warner; Barrios, Max, Lewis; Zardes

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We say: Philadelphia Union 2-1 Colorado Rapids

Philadelphia have won their last five home games by a combined 21-3 scoreline, and we think that they will continue their impressive home form by edging out Colorado on Saturday.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.