Eastern Conference sides square off when the Philadelphia Union<\/a> host Chicago Fire FC<\/a> for Matchday 5’s Walmart Saturday Showdown.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Record<\/strong><\/p>\n What to know<\/strong><\/p>\n After a historic 2025 campaign, which included winning their second-ever Supporters’ Shield title with 66 points and a club-record 20 wins, Philly have started slowly in 2026.<\/p>\n The Union have lost each of their first four MLS matches, including three by just one goal. Midweek, they also exited the Concacaf Champions Cup<\/a> in the Round of 16 to LIGA MX powerhouse Club Am\u00e9rica (2-1 aggregate).<\/p>\n Offensively, Philadelphia have struggled to replace the departure of Tai Baribo<\/a>, who led the team with 16 goals last season. DP striker Bruno Damiani<\/a> and club-record signing Ezekiel Alladoh<\/a> have yet to score in league play, while Milan Iloski<\/a> is still looking for his first goal contribution this year.<\/p>\n Still, as reigning Shield champions<\/a>, the Union possess plenty of talent at every position. The defense, which was the best in the league a season ago, has kept them in games this season, but the attack has yet to find its footing.<\/p>\n Is this the match that sparks the Union’s season?<\/p>\n Who to watch<\/strong><\/p>\n Predicted XI<\/strong><\/p>\n Head coach Bradley Carnell is still searching for his first-choice lineup. Plus, there could be squad rotation after their midweek CCC exit.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Record<\/strong><\/p>\n What to know<\/strong><\/p>\n In head coach Gregg Berhalter’s first year at the helm last season, Chicago returned to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2017. After beating Orlando City<\/a>, 3-1<\/a>, in the Wild Card round, the Fire were eventually knocked out by top-seeded Philly in Round One.\u00a0<\/p>\n With a turnaround underway in the Windy City, Chicago are looking to go one step further this season.<\/p>\n Although they suffered a setback last weekend in a 2-1 defeat<\/a> to D.C. United<\/a>, the Fire have shown quality and progress. Now, it’s about finding consistency and buckling down defensively to see out results.<\/p>\n Boasting a dangerous attack, Chicago are led by All-Star midfielder Philip Zinckernagel<\/a>,\u00a0DP striker Hugo Cuypers<\/a>\u00a0and DP winger Jonathan Bamba<\/a>. Zinckernagel is searching for his first goal contribution this year.<\/p>\n Who to watch<\/strong><\/p>\n Predicted XI<\/strong><\/p>\n There are a few options with the Fire’s backline and midfield. Might Berhalter switch things up?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n It’s a matchup of strength against strength as Chicago’s potent offense goes head-to-head with Philadelphia’s stout defense. Last season, Chicago netted the second-most goals in the regular season (68), while Philly conceded the fewest (35).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n <\/main><\/p>\n<\/div>\nHow to watch & stream<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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