DC United vs Philadelphia Union Prediction & Picks - Major League Soccer
USA - Major League Soccer
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by Simon Day | in Major League Soccer Picks
One of the most intriguing opening weekend fixtures of the 2026 MLS season sees D.C United host Philadelphia Union in a clash between the sides that finished bottom and top of the Eastern Conference last season.
Despite topping the conference standings, Union were unable to make it all the way to the MLS Cup final, as they fell 0-1 to New York City at the conference semi final stage. Their chances of going further this time around have been hit by the surprising departure of top scorer Tai Baribo, who has joined Philly's week one opponents on a five year contract.
That signing of Baribo will have given D.C. fans a huge boost after a dismal 2025 campagin which saw them score a paltry 20 goals in their 34 league games. In additon to Baribo, United have also signed more than ten other new players as they attempt to rebuild after a tough few years.
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DC United vs Philadelphia Union Form
Table
| Teams | Pts | P | W | D | L | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
18
|
18 | 15 | 4 | 6 | 5 | -4 |
|
30
|
7 | 15 | 1 | 4 | 10 | -12 |
DC United and Philadelphia Union Latest Matches
1/6 (17%)
2/6 (33%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Oct 18, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Oct 4, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Sep 27, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Sep 20, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Sep 13, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Aug 30, 2025 - Major League Soccer
0/6 (0%)
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Oct 4, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Sep 27, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Sep 13, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Aug 23, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Jul 26, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Jul 5, 2025 - Major League Soccer
1/6 (17%)
2/6 (33%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Oct 18, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Sep 20, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Aug 30, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Aug 16, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Aug 9, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Jul 19, 2025 - Major League Soccer
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Feb 18, 2026 - Concachampions
Jan 20, 2026 - Clubs Friendlies
Nov 23, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Nov 1, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Oct 26, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Oct 18, 2025 - Major League Soccer
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Jan 20, 2026 - Clubs Friendlies
Nov 23, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Oct 26, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Oct 4, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Sep 20, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Aug 23, 2025 - Major League Soccer
3/6 (50%)
0/6 (0%)
3/6 (50%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Feb 18, 2026 - Concachampions
Nov 1, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Oct 18, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Sep 27, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Sep 16, 2025 - US Open Cup
Sep 13, 2025 - Major League Soccer
DC United against Philadelphia Union : Head to Head (H2H)
0 %
33 %
67 %
Average stats (last H2H results)
Sep 27, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Apr 26, 2025 - Major League Soccer
Sep 22, 2024 - Major League Soccer
May 4, 2024 - Major League Soccer
Aug 26, 2023 - Major League Soccer
Aug 3, 2023 - Leagues Cup
DC United against Philadelphia Union Lineups: Starting 11
Formation : 4 - 4 - 2
Formation : 4 - 4 - 2
Substitutes
A. Bono
DefenderN. Markovic
W. Antley
S. Nealis
J. Stroud
C. Clark
H. Kijima
G. Turner
ForwardL. Munteanu
A. Rick
DefenderG. Martinez
A. Bedoya
C. Sullivan
J. Rafanello
A. Anello
S. Olivas
S. Korzeniowski
Missing players
A. Herrera
ForwardG. Segal
H. Karamoko
J. Lukic
Q. Sullivan
ForwardE. Davis III
Most goals and assists
DC United
Philadelphia Union
T. Baribo
(8 Goals)
M. Iloski
(7 Goals)
Peglow
(3 Assists)
, 
K. Kurokawa
(3 Assists)
F. Westfield
(2 Assists)
,
A. Bedoya
(2 Assists)
DC United - Philadelphia Union Key Points
- D.C. scored just 30 goals in 34 games last season
- Philadelphia has the best defensive record in MLS last season
- United have won just 1 of their last 17 MLS games
- Philly are unbeaten in their last 9 games against United
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Our DC United vs Philadelphia Union Prediction
Philadelphia have a fantastic record against D.C. in recent years, and we fully expect that to continue on Saturday.
Whilst D.C. have strengthened in the off-season, they still look somewhat short of the quality required to compete with the best sides in the conference.
In contrast, Philly look well-equipped to once again challenge for MLS Cup honors and we think they will start the season by comfortably disposing of D.C, whilst keeping a clean sheet in the process.
Our prediction for D.C. United vs Philadelphia Union is: Philadelphia to win to nil.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
