MATCH OVERVIEW
Philadelphia Union welcomes St. Louis City to Subaru Park in what is set to be a captivating MLS fixture. Scheduled for March 22, 2025, at 23:30 UTC, this match holds significant importance for both teams as they strive to climb the league standings. Philadelphia Union, with their impressive attacking statistics, will be keen to leverage their home advantage, while St. Louis City, despite a challenging start to the season, will aim to secure their first win.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The average odds for this match suggest a slight edge for Philadelphia Union, with odds of 1.9 for a home win. The probability of a draw stands at 3.64, while St. Louis City is priced at 3.45 for an away victory. These odds indicate a 52.6% chance for Philadelphia Union to win, a 27.5% chance for a draw, and a 29% chance for St. Louis City to triumph. Based on these figures, Philadelphia Union is favored to emerge victorious, but St. Louis City's defensive capabilities could lead to a closely contested match.
TEAM ANALYSIS
Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union has showcased strong form this season, averaging 3.33 goals per match and maintaining a solid defensive record with only 1 goal conceded per game. Their offensive metrics, including 11.67 shots and 5.67 shots on target per match, highlight their attacking threat. With a possession rate of 48.33%, they are adept at controlling the game tempo.
St. Louis City
St. Louis City has struggled offensively, averaging 0 goals per match, but their defense has been resilient, conceding no goals so far. Their possession rate of 43.5% and 3.5 shots on target per match indicate a focus on counter-attacking strategies. Despite their challenges, St. Louis City's defensive metrics, including 46 interceptions per match, suggest they can disrupt Philadelphia Union's attacking flow.
KEY PLAYERS SPOTLIGHT
Philadelphia Union
- Tai Baribo: Leading the scoring charts with 5 goals, Baribo is crucial to Philadelphia Union's attacking success.
- Kai Wagner: With 285.31 points, Wagner's defensive contributions are vital.
St. Louis City
- Henry Kessler: Accumulating 234.62 points, Kessler's defensive prowess will be key in thwarting Philadelphia Union's attacks.
- Kyle Hiebert: His 173.22 points highlight his importance in maintaining St. Louis City's defensive structure.
STATISTICAL DEEP DIVE
Philadelphia Union's offensive metrics, such as 1.82 expected goals and 6.67 corners per match, demonstrate their attacking intent. In contrast, St. Louis City's defensive statistics, including 540.89 CompaScore Defensive Rating, underline their focus on maintaining a solid backline. Philadelphia Union's higher possession and successful passes rate give them a statistical edge in controlling the match.
PREDICTION AND CONCLUSION
Philadelphia Union's attacking prowess and home advantage make them favorites for this encounter. Key factors such as Tai Baribo's goal-scoring form and their ability to maintain possession could be decisive. St. Louis City's defensive resilience will be tested, but their lack of goals may hinder their chances. Expect Philadelphia Union to secure a win with a predicted final score of 2-0.