Nashville Sc vs Philadelphia Union Picks and Predictions July 5th 2025

Nashville SC Set to Test Union in Battle of Eastern Conference Giants

Nashville SC welcomes the Philadelphia Union to GEODIS Park on Saturday night in a marquee clash between two of the Eastern Conference’s elite squads—and a potential preview of the postseason.

Get expert MLS betting breakdowns before this high-stakes matchup kicks off.

Nashville (11-4-5, 38 points) enters the match on an 11-match unbeaten streak (8-0-4) that dates back to April 26, sitting just two points behind conference-leading Philadelphia (12-4-4, 40 points).

The driving force behind Nashville’s dominance is striker Sam Surridge, who netted his league-best 16th goal in a 1-0 win over D.C. United last weekend. Ten of those goals have come in his last six appearances, cementing him as the frontrunner for the Golden Boot.

“We know where Sam wants to score goals from,” Nashville head coach B.J. Callaghan said. “Our job is to continue to build ways for Sam to score—but really, for everybody.”

Callaghan also credited Hany Mukhtar’s contributions as a catalyst for Surridge’s red-hot run. Mukhtar, who has eight goals and eight assists, continues to be Nashville’s engine in the final third.

“Hany’s been instrumental,” Callaghan added. “He’s drawn multiple penalty kicks, including the one against D.C. We know how we want to create high-quality chances.”

The task now is to hold off another prolific attack. Philadelphia’s Tai Baribo, who was recently named an MLS All-Star, trails Surridge by just three goals in the scoring race and remains a constant threat.

The Union saw their own 11-match unbeaten run (8-0-3) snapped last Sunday with a 1-0 loss to the Columbus Crew. Despite the result, head coach Bradley Carnell isn’t concerned about standings or momentum.

“We have the status and a target on our back,” Carnell said. “But at the end of 34 matchdays, that’s when it really matters.”

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Nashville already defeated Philadelphia once this season—3-1 back in March—and a win on Saturday would not only tighten the Supporters’ Shield race but send a clear message ahead of the stretch run.

With Golden Boot implications, playoff positioning, and recent form all in play, this contest sets the stage for key MLS game forecasts and high-value betting angles.

Get more MLS match previews and predictions from the pros who follow the league closest.