Red-hot Philadelphia host Charlotte in the race for home advantage
On Saturday, 17 October 2026, Philadelphia Union take on Charlotte FC at Subaru Park, on Matchday 31 of MLS. Ryan Richter’s side have won eight MLS games in a row and are sixth in the East with 45 points, one behind fifth-placed Charlotte. Both sides are chasing a top-four place and home advantage in the first playoff round. Charlotte lost 3-1 at Columbus on Wednesday. Kick-off is at 20:30 CEST (14:30 local time), with Jon Freemon the referee.
“We simply weren’t good enough tonight.” – Charlotte midfielder Ashley Westwood after the defeat at Columbus
Predicted lineups: Philadelphia vs Charlotte
Philadelphia are without Agustín Anello, and Danley Jean Jacques is a doubt with a foot problem. Charlotte are missing Archie Goodwin, Nimfasha Berchimas and Aron John. Philadelphia will play their third game in eight days. The line-ups below are predicted.
Philadelphia Union Team News & Preview
Philadelphia won 3-1 at Chicago on Wednesday, their eighth MLS win in a row. They were behind at half-time, but Chicago captain Jack Elliott was sent off just before the break, and Iloski scored once and Bruno Damiani twice after the break. Before that, they won 5-0 at San Diego, 4-3 at Sporting KC and 4-2 against Orlando.
They have scored 18 goals in their last five league games. Iloski has 18 league goals this season.
What works for or against Philadelphia
- Eight MLS wins in a row.
- 18 goals in their last five league games.
- Third game in eight days.
- Wednesday's win came against ten men.
Charlotte FC Team News & Preview
Charlotte were outplayed at Columbus on Wednesday. Idan Toklomati scored his 12th goal to put them ahead, but Columbus had 22 shots in the first half and Kahlina made 11 saves. Westwood said it was the first time they had really been outworked.
Charlotte have plenty of attacking quality, with Toklomati and Pep Biel on 12 league goals each and Allan Saint-Maximin in the side. Their away defence has been the problem, with 27 goals conceded in 14 games.
What works for or against Charlotte
- Kahlina made 11 saves in the 3-1 defeat at Columbus.
- 27 goals conceded in 14 away games.
- Toklomati and Biel have 12 goals each.
- Won the April meeting 2-1.
Philadelphia vs Charlotte Odds
Match Result
Double Chance
Over/Under
Both Teams to Score
Philadelphia Union vs. Charlotte Stats Comparison
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Philadelphia Union vs. Charlotte Form Guide
Philadelphia Union Form, Stats & Data
Philadelphia score 2.03 goals per game, among the best in MLS, and concede 1.59. At home they have seven wins, four draws and three defeats, with 25 goals scored and 14 conceded.
Charlotte Form, Stats & Data
Charlotte score 1.76 goals per game and concede 1.48. Away from home they have five wins, three draws and six defeats, with 22 goals scored and 27 conceded.
Philadelphia vs Charlotte: Prediction & Betting Tip
Philadelphia have won eight in a row, and they are scoring freely. Charlotte were outplayed at Columbus on Wednesday, and their away defence has conceded 27 goals in 14 games. I expect the Union to keep their run going and like Philadelphia to win at 1.47.
What worries me is fatigue. This is Philadelphia’s third game in eight days, and Richter has not rotated much. Charlotte also have goals in their side and beat the Union in April, so I would not be surprised if they score. But Philadelphia’s form at home is strong enough for me to back them.
My main bet is Philadelphia to win at 1.47 with Winz. My correct-score pick is 3-1.