Preview: Toronto vs. Philadelphia Union - prediction, team news, lineups

Two teams at contrasting ends of the Eastern Conference table go head to head on Wednesday as Toronto welcome Philadelphia Union to the BMO Field Stadium.

The visitors will head into this one looking to get one over the hosts after suffering defeats in both home and away fixtures when the sides met last season.

Match preview

© Reuters

Toronto avoided a third defeat on the trot last Sunday when they came from behind to snatch a dramatic 1-1 draw against Montreal on home turf.

Following a drab first half, Nigerian forward Ibrahim Sunusi gave the visitors what seemed to be the winner with his 55th-minute strike, but Jozy Altidore came up clutch for the hosts as he netted in the fifth minute of injury time to force a share of the spoils.

After enjoying a brief two-week spell of resurgence, where they picked up four wins and one draw from five outings, Javier Perez's men appear to have run out of steam once again.

Toronto FC are without a win in any of their most recent three outings, managing just one draw in that time, and this has been owing to their struggles at the defensive end of the pitch, which has been a major flaw for the Reds this season.

Wednesday's hosts, who find themselves bottom but one in the Eastern Conference standings, boast the division's second-worst defensive record, having shipped 60 goals to date.

While Toronto will be looking to end this dry spell, next up is an opposing side who have won half of the last 20 meetings between the teams, including each of their two encounters last season.

© Reuters

Meanwhile, Philadelphia Union returned to winning ways last Sunday when they claimed a slender 1-0 win over Nashville when the sides locked horns at the Subaru Park.

Polish forward Kacper Przybylko continued his fine display in front of goal as he kept his cool from 12 yards to dispatch his 18th-minute penalty and condemn the visitors to their fourth defeat of the season.

Prior to that, Jim Curtin's men saw their run of six games without defeat come to an end as they were beaten 3-2 by Minnesota United when they squared off at the Allianz Field Stadium.

Following the win last time out, Toronto FC now boast a healthy six-point cushion over Atalanta United in the final playoff spot, while moving level on 49 points with Nashville in the upper echelons of the conference table.

This has been owing to their string of impressive performances on home turf, where they boast the division's second-best record with 33 points from 16 outings, only behind first-placed New England Revolution, who have gathered three more points.

Team News

© Reuters

Toronto remain without Canadian youngster Ayo Akinola after the 21-year-old ruptured his cruciate ligament while on international duty against USA back in July.

Fellow countryman Ralph Priso-Mbongue is also set to sit out his 13th consecutive game after he was hauled off the pitch with a 69th-minute injury in August's game versus New England Revolution.

The trio of Ifunanyachi Achara, Dom Dwyer and Tsubasa Endoh are also out of contention for the Reds as they continue their spells on the sidelines having picked up abdominal issues.

Meanwhile, Curtin will be unable to call upon the services of veteran Brazilian Ilsinho as the 36-year-old continues his journey to full fitness after sustaining a muscle problem against New York City back in August.

Strike partner Cory Burke will also play no part in the game after the Jamaican international picked up an ankle injury in October's game against Orlando City.

With his strike against Nashville last time out, Przybylko now has 11 goals and three assists under his belt this season and the 28-year-old will definitely be one to look out for in this one.

Toronto possible starting lineup:
Bono; Bradley, Mavinga, Zavaleta, Lawrence; Delgado, Bradley, Osorio; Pozuelo, Mullins, Soteldo

Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Blake; Wagner, Elliott, Glesnes, Mbaizo; Flach, Martinez, Bedoya; Monteiro, Przybylko, Gazdag

We say: Toronto 1-3 Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia arrested their slump in form last time out, moving back into second place as they bounced back to winning ways against Nashville. Having enjoyed a brief resurgence, Toronto appear to have run out of steam once again and have managed just one point from their last three outings. We are tipping the visitors to come out on top in this one and strengthen their position in the upper echelons of the table.