Union vs. SKC: Preview, projected lineups, and how to watch

After claiming a club-record sixth away win in Seattle on Wednesday, the Union are back in Chester for a nationally televised match. Their opponents are Sporting Kansas City, the hottest team in the West not named the Sounders.

Both sides are coming into this afternoon game on top form. SKC have won six of their last seven and currently sit atop the Western Conference, but their playoff position is nowhere near assured. Only seven points separate first and sixth place, meaning seeding could look drastically different a few weeks from now.

The Union enter this match in similarly sizzling fashion, dropping points in only two of their previous seven matches. While they still have a bit to do to ensure a 35th MLS game this season, Jim Curtin and his team likely have their focus set on another competition for the time being. The Union will make their third U.S. Open Cup Final appearance in Houston on Wednesday, meaning that squad rotation en masse should be expected today.

Projected lineups

Philadelphia Union: Andre Blake; Fabinho, Auston Trusty, Mark McKenzie, Olivier Mbaizo; Derrick Jones, Warren Creavalle; Fabian Herbers, Anthony Fontana, David Accam; Jay Simpson

Sporting Kansas City: Tim Melia; Graham Zusi, Ike Opara, Matt Besler, Seth Sinovic; Roger Espinoza, Ilie Sanchez, Felipe Gutierrez; Johnny Russell, Krisztian Nemeth, Gerso Fernandes

How to watch

Where: Talen Energy Stadium, Chester, Pa.

When: 1:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2018

TV: ESPN

Streaming: WatchESPN