The MLS returns to the fold with another set of matches this week as New York City FC take on Philadelphia Union on Wednesday. The two teams have been impressive this season and will be intent on taking all three points away from this match.Philadelphia Union are in fifth place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings at the moment and have improved this season. The home side suffered a defeat against New England Revolution last week and will need to bounce back in this match.New York City FC are in second place in the league table and have been excellent this year. The away side eased past Inter Miami by a 2-0 margin last week and will want a similar result from this game.Up Next 🗞️⚽ @ipfoneusaSee what #InterMiamiCF has this week including two matches at #DRVPNKStadium.— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 16, 2021Philadelphia Union vs New York City FC Head-to-HeadNew York City have an excellent record against Philadelphia Union and have won nine games out of 14 matches played between the two teams. Philadelphia Union have managed four victories against New York City FC and will have to step up on Thursday.The previous match between the two sides took place in May this year and ended in a 2-0 victory for New York City FC. Philadelphia Union were not at their best on the day and have a point to prove this week.Philadelphia Union form guide in MLS 2021: L-W-D-D-LNew York City FC form guide in MLS 2021: W-D-D-W-WPhiladelphia Union vs New York City FC Team NewsPhiladelphia Union have a strong squadPhiladelphia UnionJack de Vries and Anthony Fontana are carrying knocks at the moment and might not be able to play a part in this fixture. Cory Burke is also struggling with his fitness and is unlikely to be risked against New York City FC.Injured: NoneDoubtful: Jack de Vries, Anthony Fontana, Cory BurkeSuspended: NoneHeber is unavailable for this gameNew York City FCNew York City FC have a few absences going into this game and will have to do without Heber this week. Anton Tinnerholm has recovered from his niggle, however, and is available for selection.Injured: HeberDoubtful: NoneSuspended: NonePhiladelphia Union vs New York City FC Predicted XIPhiladelphia Union Predicted XI (4-4-2): Andre Blake; Kai Wagner, Jack Elliott, Jakob Glesnes, Olivier Mbaizo; Daniel Gazdag, Alejandro Bedoya, Leon Flach, Jose Martinez; Sergio Santos, Kacper PrzybylkoBack to winning ways 👏 #ForTheCity 🎥 BTS 🎬 @DrinkBODYARMOR ➡️ https://t.co/vgO4XMfUKv pic.twitter.com/ZbrIHWYrBu— New York City FC (@NYCFC) August 17, 2021New York City FC Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sean Johnson; Malte Amundsen, Maxime Chanot, James Sands, Anton Tinnerholm; Alfredo Morales, Keaton Parks; Maximiliano Moralez, Jesus Medina, Thiago; Valentin CastellanoPhiladelphia Union vs New York City FC PredictionPhiladelphia Union have been impressive this season but their recent slump will certainly be a cause for concern. The Union have won only one of their last five matches and will need to step up this week.New York City FC have justified their potential this year and will be intent on a top-seven finish. The away side is the better team at the moment and holds the upper hand going into this game.Prediction: Philadelphia Union 1-2 New York City FCAlso Read: Ranking the 5 greatest managers in Premier League history