DC United vs. Philadelphia Union Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 28 September 2025

DC United takes on the formidable Philadelphia Union at Audi Field on 28 September 2025, in a clash that showcases the top versus nearly bottom of the Major League Soccer standings. Sitting at 28th with 25 points, DC United faces a mammoth challenge against the league leaders, Philadelphia Union, who boast 60 points and have been the bookmaker’s favorites for good reason.

The Union, coached by Bradley Carnell, have demonstrated their dominance with Tai Baribo’s 16 goals this season. However, Baribo will miss this match due to suspension. Despite this, Philadelphia’s solid defense, with three clean sheets in their last five games, makes them a tough opponent.

DC United, under René Weiler, have struggled with consistency and injuries, impacting key players like Kristian Fletcher. Their recent form, marked by a single win in five matches (DDWDL), suggests they’ll need a miracle to outdo Philadelphia.

Our match tip predicts an away win for Philadelphia Union, supported by recent head-to-head results and the team’s overall form.

Expect an intriguing match as every game contributes to the season’s narrative, with DC United hoping for an upset and Philadelphia seeking to maintain their top spot.

DC United vs Philadelphia Union Prediction & Betting Tip

DC United vs Philadelphia Union Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Away Win for Philadelphia Union	1.94

• Philadelphia Union is top of the league with 60 points, exemplifying their strong form, while DC United is near the bottom at 28th with just 25 points.
• Historically, Philadelphia Union has dominated this fixture, winning 3 out of the last 5 encounters, including a 3-0 victory earlier this season.
• DC United struggles with key injuries and inconsistent form—with only one win in their last five matches—while Philadelphia’s defense has been solid, maintaining three clean sheets in their last five games.

Given their superior form, head-to-head record, and complete squad, betting on an away win for Philadelphia Union is a solid choice.

DC United vs Philadelphia Union Odds

When it comes to the bookmaker’s odds for this MLS clash, Philadelphia Union is the clear favorite. Their consistent performance throughout the season, demonstrated by their top position in the standings, provides them with an edge over DC United.

DC United vs Philadelphia Union Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
DC United	3.54
Draw	3.62
Philadelphia Union	1.94

Philadelphia Union, with odds of 1.94, stands out as a strong betting favorite. With DC United struggling in 28th place and only managing one win in their last five games, the odds reflect their uphill battle. The draw odds of 3.62 indicate that a stalemate is less likely but not out of the question given the occasional unpredictability of football. DC United’s odds of 3.54 suggest a long shot, reflecting their current form and injury concerns.

Given Philadelphia Union’s dominance in recent head-to-head encounters and their stronger form, they are the more attractive option for bettors seeking a reliable outcome.

DC United Team Analysis

DC United Recent Performance

DC United has had a mixed bag of results in their last five matches with a record of one win, three draws, and one loss. Their most recent outing saw them succumb to a narrow 3-2 defeat against Inter Miami CF. Prior to that, they managed a 1-1 draw against Orlando City and an impressive 2-1 victory over New York City FC. The consistency issues are evident, as they also drew 1-1 against Inter Miami CF and CF Montreal.

Defensively, DC United has struggled, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five games. Offensively, they have averaged 1.40 goals per match in the same period. Injuries to key players like Kristian Fletcher and Dominique Badji have further complicated matters for coach René Weiler, making it difficult for the team to find stable form.

This inconsistent run certainly puts them on the backfoot heading into their encounter against the league leaders, Philadelphia Union.

DC United Key Players

DC United will be looking to their star striker, Christian Benteke, who has notched up 9 goals this season, to break through Philadelphia’s solid defense. Benteke’s physical prowess and experience will be pivotal in challenging the Union’s backline led by Kai Wagner and Jakob Glesnes.

Midfielder Brandon Servania and playmaker Gabriel Pirani will be crucial in providing creativity and distributing the ball effectively to Benteke and the other forwards. Young winger Jackson Hopkins offers pace and dynamism on the flanks, potentially creating key chances.

Expected lineup for DC United:

• Goalkeeper: Luis Barraza
• Defenders: Conner Antley, Lucas Bartlett, Kye Rowles, David Schnegg
• Midfielders: Gabriel Pirani, Brandon Servania, Jackson Hopkins
• Forwards: Aaron Herrera, Christian Benteke, Peglow

The performance of these players will be crucial in hoping to turn around their recent form and causing an upset against the league leaders.

DC United Suspensions & Injuries

DC United heads into this matchup with significant injury concerns that could impact their performance against Philadelphia Union. Kristian Fletcher is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury and is not expected back until early March 2026. Randall Leal is currently nursing a leg injury, with a potential return in early October 2025, while Dominique Badji is out with a thigh injury, aiming for a mid-October 2025 return.

These absences will force coach René Weiler to rethink his strategy, as these key players have contributed significantly throughout the season. The loss of Leal and Badji limits their attacking options, putting additional pressure on the remaining forwards like Christian Benteke and midfielders to step up their game.

Given these injury woes, DC United faces an uphill task in securing a positive result in this crucial late-season fixture.

DC United Tactics and Formation

DC United Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Christian Benteke, with 9 goals this season.
• Midfield Trio: Gabriel Pirani, Brandon Servania, Jackson Hopkins
• Defensive Woes: No clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Attempt to utilize Christian Benteke’s aerial prowess to break through Philadelphia’s defense.

Under René Weiler, DC United typically lines up in a 4-3-3 formation. This approach aims to provide a balance between attack and defense, although the team’s recent form and injury issues have hampered their ability to execute it effectively.

The midfield trio of Pirani, Servania, and Hopkins are crucial in connecting the defense and attack, while Benteke’s physical presence up front will be vital for any offensive pushes. However, their defensive struggles, highlighted by the lack of clean sheets, will need addressing if they hope to hold off a high-scoring Philadelphia side.

Philadelphia Union Team Analysis

Philadelphia Union Recent Performance

Philadelphia Union has been a standout team this season, which is reflected in their recent form of three wins and two losses in their last five matches. They secured a solid 1-0 victory over New England Revolution in their most recent outing. Despite suffering a heavy 7-0 defeat against Vancouver Whitecaps and a 3-1 loss to Nashville SC in the US Open Cup, they bounced back impressively.

The team has managed three clean sheets in their last five league games, indicating a strong defensive setup. Offensively, they have averaged 1.40 goals per match during this period, showcasing their balanced approach on both ends of the pitch.

This strong form, coupled with their top position in the standings, underlines why they are the bookmaker’s favorites for this encounter against DC United.

Philadelphia Union Key Players

Philadelphia Union’s top scorer, Tai Baribo, will be absent due to suspension, but the team still boasts significant talent. Bruno Damiani and Mikael Uhre are expected to lead the attacking front, with Uhre looking to add to his season tally.

Midfielders Quinn Sullivan and Danley Jean Jacques will be crucial in controlling the game’s tempo and providing the necessary support to the forwards. Defensively, Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner have been solid performers, contributing to the team’s three clean sheets in their last five games.

Andre Blake, a reliable presence between the sticks, will aim to keep DC United’s attackers at bay.

Expected lineup for Philadelphia Union:

• Goalkeeper: Andre Blake
• Defenders: Francis Westfield, Jakob Glesnes, Olwethu Makhanya, Kai Wagner
• Midfielders: Quinn Sullivan, Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, Indiana Vassilev
• Forwards: Bruno Damiani, Mikael Uhre

These key players’ performances will be vital if Philadelphia Union hopes to secure an expected win and maintain their top spot in the standings.

Philadelphia Union Suspensions & Injuries

Philadelphia Union enters the match with a significant suspension as their top scorer, Tai Baribo, will miss the game due to an accumulation of yellow cards. This is a setback for the team since Baribo has been instrumental with his 16 goals this season.

However, the team has no reported injuries, which means they can field a nearly full-strength squad otherwise. The absence of Baribo will likely see Bruno Damiani and Mikael Uhre stepping up to fill the scoring void. Coach Bradley Carnell will rely on his available key players to maintain their strong form and secure an important win to keep their top position in the standings.

Philadelphia’s defensive lineup remains intact, with no injuries to disrupt their solid backline, contributing to their hopes of another clean sheet in this match.

Philadelphia Union Tactics and Formation

Philadelphia Union Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Bruno Damiani, stepping up in the absence of Tai Baribo.
• Midfield: Quinn Sullivan, Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, Indiana Vassilev
• Defensive Solidity: Three clean sheets in their last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Utilize pressing in the middle third to disrupt DC United’s buildup play.

Bradley Carnell’s side typically deploys a 4-4-2 formation, promoting a balanced approach that emphasizes both attack and defense. The attacking duo of Bruno Damiani and Mikael Uhre will be central to their goal-scoring efforts. Midfielders like Sullivan and Jean Jacques are pivotal in breaking up play and initiating counters, while the defense, led by Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner, aims to maintain their strong record.

With pressing tactics and disciplined defensive lines, Philadelphia will seek to control the game from the start, leveraging their superior form and cohesive team structure.

DC United vs Philadelphia Union Head-to-Head Statistics

In their last five encounters, Philadelphia Union has maintained a dominant record against DC United. The Union has won three matches, including a resounding 3-0 victory earlier this season and another 4-0 win in September 2024. DC United managed a 2-2 draw in May 2024, the last time they played this fixture at home.

Recent Head-to-Head Results:

• April 26, 2025: Philadelphia Union 3 – 0 DC United
• September 22, 2024: Philadelphia Union 4 – 0 DC United
• May 4, 2024: DC United 2 – 2 Philadelphia Union
• August 26, 2023: DC United 1 – 3 Philadelphia Union
• August 4, 2023: Philadelphia Union 0 – 0 (5-4 on penalties) DC United (Leagues Cup)

This historical performance paints a clear picture of Philadelphia Union’s tactical and psychological edge heading into this fixture. With the Union’s impressive league form this season, DC United will need to dig deep to alter this trend.

Odds accurate as of 26.09.2025 00:34, and are subject to change.
Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.