CHESTER, Pa. -- Just three days after taking on one of the top teams in the Western Conference, the Union will tussle with the first-place team in the East.
Here are five things to know ahead of Saturday's showdown pitting the Union (4-3-2) against the Montreal Impact (4-3-3) at Stade Saputo (5 p.m./TCN).
1. First place at stake
On one hand, going to Canada to face a very good team so quickly after Wednesday's 2-2 draw with the star-studded L.A. Galaxy represents a brutal part of the schedule.
On the other hand, it also gives the Union a huge opportunity to follow up a good performance against the Galaxy with another big statement to the rest of the league - while vaulting into first place in the process.
Montreal currently sits one point ahead of the Union, who are tied for second with Toronto FC. The Union also have a game in hand on the Impact.
"It's a difficult schedule - a quick turnaround from Wednesday to Saturday," Union head coach Jim Curtin said after Thursday's light practice session. "But I think we're confident right now. It's a good time to get back on the field."
2. Testing the depth
Because of such a quick turnaround, Curtin said he'll likely go to his bench to replace at least a couple of starters to make sure the team is fresh enough to "sustain the pressure we'd like to play for 90 minutes."
The most likely player to start after sitting out Wednesday is Warren Creavalle, who's been alternating with Brian Carroll at the defensive midfield spot.
Following Thursday's practice, Creavalle spent a lot of time working out off to the side with Ken Tribbett, who may also be called upon to fill in for Josh Yaro at center back. Ray Gaddis is another experienced option to jump into one of the fullback spots.
"That makes decisions to go to the bench easier," Curtin said. "It's not really a bench, to be honest. They're starters in this league. It's a good problem to have."
3. Foot on the gas
Two other players who could be in line for increased roles in Montreal are playmakers Ilsinho and Roland Alberg, both of whom saw limited minutes off the bench Wednesday.
The two offensive-minded midfielders have dealt with some injuries and general inconsistencies as they've adjusted to MLS play. But Curtin made clear that both remain huge parts of the team as he looks to find ways to get them on the field more.
"We're working toward playing an aggressive, more attacking style," Curtin said. "I don't think we're quite there yet where we can throw two guys who think offense first in the center of the field. But we are working toward that."
4. Stopping Drogba
Fresh off trying to deal with players like Steven Kerrard, Robbie Keane and Giovani dos Santos, the Union will once again match up against another world-renowned superstar: Didier Drogba.
The longtime Chelsea striker has two goals and two assists over Montreal's last two games, and has formed a dynamic partnership with Argentine midfielder Ignacio Piatti, who already has six goals this season.
"Drogba's obviously a handful," Curtin said. "We need to be good in the box locating him. He can out-jump you, out-compete you and obviously his feet are very good as well. You have to locate him at all times in the box. He's really good with his head. He's one of those guys where you might not win the headball but you at least have to have contact with him so he doesn't jump free. When he jumps free, he's gonna score.
"And Piatta's been finding him. They have a good thing going right now."
5. This and that
• The Impact are coming off three straight draws while the Union have picked up ties in each of their last two contests.
• Montreal became just the eighth team in MLS history to come back from three goals down and gain at least a draw in last week's 4-4 tie with Columbus Crew SC.
• This will be the Union's first road game since a 2-1 loss to Seattle on April 16. They're coming off a three-game homestand in which they went 1-0-2.
• The Union had lost their first four games at Stade Saputo before a 1-0 victory there last August - marking the first-ever win by the visiting team in the series.
