Houston vs Philadelphia Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: July 20, 2025 | Shell Energy Stadium | MLS | 01:30 BST

A mammoth match in the MLS sees two-time MLS Champions Houston, playing host to the 2022 MLS finalists Philadelphia. The Union certainly come into the game as firm favourites, currently occupying the top spot in the Supporters’ Shield, while Houston are chasing the playoffs.

Key Betting Tip: Philadelphia to win at 2.88 odds represents excellent value based on the tip provided by our team of in-house tipsters.

Houston vs Philadelphia Predicted Lineups

Houston Predicted XI: Bond; Escobar, Ortiz, Bartlow, Dorsey; Júnior Urso, Artur; Lingr, Bassi, McGlynn; Ponce.

Philadelphia Predicted XI: Blake; Harriel, Glesnes, Makhanya, Wagner; Jacques, Lukić; Vassilev, Damiani, Sullivan; Baribo.

Ben Olsen’s Dynamo will be without the suspended Brooklyn Raines and the injured Andrew Tarbell, while Nelson Quiñones and Erik Sviatchenko remain doubts. The Union will only be without Ian Glavinovich and the doubtful Jesus Bueno.

Dynamo sees three changes from their heavy defeat to Vancouver, with Griffin Dorsey and Ondrej Lingr replacing Felipe Andrade and Lawrence Ennali, while Urso is expected to come in for the suspended Raines. As for Philadelphia, they are expected to remain unchanged from their win midweek.

Houston vs Philadelphia Current League Standings

The Texas outfit are struggling this campaign, with just seven wins from 23, suffering 11 losses, but still find themselves just four points outside the MLS playoff places. They must show significant improvements at both ends of the pitch if they are to get anything out of Sunday’s fixture.

Philadelphia are enjoying a near-flawless season thus far, as they lead the way with 46 points and the best defensive record in the division. They recently had an unbeaten run of 14 games broken, so come into this end of the season in superb form.

Houston vs Philadelphia Head-to-Head Timeline

Houston’s nine wins in this fixture out-do Union by one victory, but recently Philadelphia have been dominating the fixture.

Recent Head-to-Head Results:

• July 2022: Philadelphia 6-0 Houston (MLS)
• May 2019: Philadelphia 2-1 Houston (MLS)
• July 2018: Houston 3-0 Philadelphia (US Open Cup)
• May 2018: Houston 1-3 Philadelphia (MLS)
• September 2017: Philadelphia 2-0 Houston (MLS)

Aside from their cup win, Houston’s recent experience in this match up is scary and Olsen will have a lot of preparation to do if they are to give Union a good match.

Philadelphia are overwhelming favourites for the game, as they have won their last four MLS matches 13-2. A dominant force just waiting to extend their great run against the Texas side.

Recent Houston vs Philadelphia Matches Analysis

Houston Last 5 Matches:

• Houston 0-3 Vancouver (H) – MLS
• Houston 0-1 Salt Lake (A) – MLS
• Houston 4-3 San Diego (A) – MLS
• Houston 1-0 St. Louis (H) – MLS
• Houston 1-3 Minnesota (A) – MLS

Houston have won just six points out of a possible 15 lately, and they need o get on a good run of form soon if they want to make the playoffs. Six goals in their last five games, while conceding 10 just simply is not good enough.

Philadelphia Last 5 Matches:

• Philadelphia 2-1 Montréal (H) – MLS
• Philadelphia 2-0 NY Red Bulls (H) – MLS
• Philadelphia 0-1 Nashville (A) – MLS
• Philadelphia 0-1 Columbus (A) – MLS
• Philadelphia 1-0 Chicago (A) – MLS

There have not ben many goals at all in Union’s games recently. They have scored five, chipping just three, but the most important thing is that they have lost their last two away trips.

Houston vs Philadelphia Predictions

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with confidence in a Philadelphia victory. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best Houston vs Philadelphia Betting Tips

Football Park’s Best Bet: Philadelphia to Win @ 2.88 - Our team of in-house betting tipsters have predicted a Philadelphia victory in this fixture. Recent head-to-head and league standings suggest confidence in a Philadelphia Union victory.

Key Players to Watch: Houston vs Philadelphia

Jack McGlynn (Houston): McGlynn has been vital for his side this campaign and is by far the key player to watch here. The 22-year-old has scored two goals, providing three assists from the midfield this season. But creatively is where he has shone the brightest. With 3.2 key passes per game, it brings his expected assists to 5.77 so is unfortunate to not have given an even better return. He runs the midfield too, making 87% accurate passes and has created eight big chances so far.

Tai Baribo (Philadelphia): There could have been anyone, particularly from the defensive line to choose from, but the Israeli forward has been impressive. He has been very clinical for his 14 goals, outperforming his xG by 4.76 from just 15 starts. He only averages 1.9 shots per game too, yet scores 0.7, offering an impressive 36% conversion rate.

Houston vs Philadelphia Match Facts

Referee: Rosendo Mendoza. The seasoned official has taken charge of 110 MLS matches and he hands out an average of 4.6 yellow cards, with 0.24 red cards. He is not afraid to give out a penalty either, with 31.81% chance of this event occurring or 0.32 per game.

Broadcast Details:

UK/US: Apple TV

Stadium Information: The Shell Energy Stadium holds the ground in Houston, Texas, and can hold up to 22,039 spectators. The venue opened its doors 13 years ago and has hosed 184 matches. The stadium oversees 2.58 goals per game, also seeing the visitors win more often, with the hosts only winning 35% of the time.