Two sputtering Eastern Conference opponents will lock horns Saturday night. Despite earning 14 points through the first nine games and sitting one point behind conference leaders New York Red Bulls, the Philadelphia Union haven’t secured maximum points in the last three games, losing to Portland, drawing with the Galaxy and falling to FC Dallas a week ago.

Chicago’s slump isn’t as bad as the Union, but the Fire have drawn four games straight (Houston, Colorado, Vancouver & Toronto). The team has showed grit, coming back from two goals down to tie Toronto but must stay focused for the entire 90 minutes to start climbing out of the Eastern Conference cellar.

Union player to watch: Anyone who can score a goal. The Philly offense is anemic, with a league low six goals scored through nine games. Peter Nowak tried igniting the scoring against FC Dallas, featuring five offensive minded players in his lineup. Expect the Union to try an open attacking lineup, but that will give way for…

Fire player to watch: Marco Pappa. The diminutive attacking midfielder always finds a place to pounce in the final third. With the Union offense struggling, defense could very easily go out the window, allowing Pappa to add to his steadily climbing goal and assist tally.

Prediction: The Fire break through on the road and notch their first away win against a slumping Union squad. 2-0 Chicago.