Revitalised Union can halt high-flying Houston Dynamo

MLS
12.30am Thursday

High-flying Houston Dynamo lead the way in the Western Conference but their form away from their Texan base leaves plenty to be desired and they look vulnerable on their trip to Philadelphia Union.

Houston have underlined the importance of home advantage in the MLS, dropping just two points from their seven matches at the BBVA Compass Stadium, and may be travelling to improving Philadelphia at the wrong time.

Union failed to win during their opening eight matches this season, but they have responded well to their sluggish start and back-to-back victories against New York Red Bulls and DC United have raised the spirits in the camp.

Jim Curtin’s troops thumped Red Bulls 3-0 in front of the U faithful ten days ago and hit four past struggling DC on Sunday to warn conference rivals they should not be taken lightly.

Frontman CJ Sapong - seven goals from ten starts - has developed into one of the sharpest forwards in MLS, while Bosnian international Haris Medunjanin and Chris Pontius offer plenty from midfield.

Houston should be concerned by the long haul to Pennsylvania. Wilmer Cabrera’s men are a complete contrast on the road to the side they are at home and have lost all three of their away matches this term.

Dynamo have shipped eight times in defeats at Portland, New England and Toronto and could struggle to shut out Philadelphia, who have notched 11 goals in their last four matches.

However, the last seven meetings between the sides have featured two or fewer goals and the revitalised hosts may have to work hard for their rewards.

Recommendation
Philadelphia Union to win and under 3.5 goals
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