Philadelphia Union vs. Houston Dynamo: Preview and How to Watch

The Philadelphia Union look to make it three wins in a row while the Houston Dynamo look to keep hold of first in the Western Conference.

This is a huge game for both teams who have improved significantly compared to the recent past. The Houston Dynamo finished last the Western Conference and were not expected to do much better. Instead, this Houston team is exciting to watch and has a strong identity behind them and currently sits on top of the Western Conference.

The Philadelphia Union looked terrible since March. Not having won a game all year, the team hit a switch and suddenly Union fans have something to cheer about as their side have won the past two consecutive games and going undefeated in four.

Both sides will look to keep their momentum moving in Philadelphia Wednesday night, but who will actually come out on top?

Philadelphia Union

May 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Fafa Picault (22) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the second half against the D.C. United at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Philadelphia Union defeated D.C. United 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Record: 2-4-4

Last Time Out: 4-0 win at DC United

Player to Watch: CJ Sapong. Sapong has scored seven of the Union’s 15 goals this season. Even though Houston is a talented team this season, their defense can be suspect at times. Look for Sapong to get his chances tonight.

Why They Win: The Union are on fire as of late, beating their past two opponents by a combined score of 7-0. Their sudden ability to score has instilled a great confidence in them and with a home field advantage, it is hard to see that confidence fading.

Why They Won’t: Though the Union might be high flying right now, we have to realize that this is still the same Union said that were winless all season until a week and a half ago. They beat a struggling DC side and an out of form Red Bulls side. The Houston Dynamo is a whole different story and will likely exploit the weaknesses in the Union side that we have seen all season.

Predicted Starting XI:

Hard to imagine the Union changing their lineup after last match #PHIvHOU pic.twitter.com/ZxwhZyXDld
— Matt (@MattSoccerTalk) May 16, 2017

Houston Dynamo

May 12, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Dynamo forward Alberth Elis (17) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half against the Vancouver Whitecaps at BBVA Compass Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Record: 6-1-3

Last Time Out: 2-1 win against the Vancouver Whitecaps

Player to Watch: Romell Quioto. Quioto is having himself a wonderful first season so far with the Houston Dynamo. He has been not only scoring goals but also creating them, with four goals and two assists to his name. His battle with Union rightback Rosemary will be a fun one to watch.

Why They Win: The Dynamo are currently on top of the Western Conference and have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in the MLS. The attacking three of Quioto, Torres, and Elis is one that most teams haven’t been able to stop and it is hard to imagine the Union stopping them.

Why They Won’t: The Dynamo have only played three games on the road this season and all three of them have ended in losses. If their road performance doesn’t improve tonight, it will be the start of a very long road trip for the Dynamo.

Projected Starting XI:

Projected Houston lineup for #PHIvHOU pic.twitter.com/btEbv5eOWZ
— Matt (@MattSoccerTalk) May 16, 2017

Prediction

Next: Dirtiest Teams in 2016 Regular Season

How to Watch

Where: Talen Energy Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
When: 7:30 EST
How to Watch: KUBE 57 (Houston), The Comcast Network (Philadelphia), MLS Live

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