MLS Cup champions NYCFC will look to continue the defense of their title when they travel to top seed the Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference Final on Sunday.

The Cityzens have already made it past Inter Miami and CF Montreal in this year’s MLS Cup Playoffs, scoring six goals along the way and conceding just once.

However, the Union are sure to offer their sternest test yet. After finishing top of the Eastern Conference, level on 67 points alongside Supporters‘ Shield winners LAFC and with an unbeaten home record, Jim Curtin’s side pulled off a 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati last week to reach this stage.

The Union scored more goals (72) than any other MLS team during the regular season while no side conceded fewer (26), but NYCFC are riding the crest of a wave and won’t want to relinquish their title without a fight.

Here’s how to watch their clash on TV and streaming services:

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Philadelphia Union vs NYCFC H2H Results (Last Five Games)

Current form (Last Five Games)

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Philadelphia Union team news

This is a repeat of last year’s Eastern Conference Final, but the Union should be far better equipped this time around.

In 2021, Curtin had to deal with 11 absences due to health and safety protocols, with key players such as Andre Blake, Jack Elliott, Kai Wagner, and Alejandro Bedoya all missing.

The latter sat out the win over FC Cincinnati last time out but should return to action here.

Philadelphia Union starting XI (4-3-1-2): Blake; Mbaizo, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner; Bedoya, Martinez, Flach; Gazdag; Carranza, Uhre.

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NYCFC team news

The fitness of Maxime Chanot is of serious concern after he came off injured early on against Montreal. Alfredo Morales and Talles Magno are also more minor doubts.

Given NYCFC’s impressive form in the Playoffs so far, it’s unlikely Nick Cushing will make too many unenforced changes here.

NYCFC starting XI (4-2-3-1): Johnson; Tinnerholm, Martins, Callens, Amundsen; Acevedo, Moralez; Pereira, Rodriguez, Magno; Heber.

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The Union have been relentless at home this season, first going unbeaten in 17 during the regular season – scoring 49 goals and conceding just nine 0 before beating FC Cincinnati 1-0 in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

However, after a mid-season slump, NYCFC are well and truly back, with Cushing’s side coming into this match on a six-game winning streak across all competitions.

In all areas of the field, the two teams are almost perfectly matched. The Union have home advantage, but NYCFC are defending champions for a reason.

If any clash in these Playoffs has potential to go all the way, it’s this one.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union 2-2 NYCFC (Philadelphia Union to win on penalties)

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