If you chose to block out Atlanta’s visit to Columbus two weeks ago, a 1-0 loss on the road, then congratulations! Welcome to opening day of the 2024 MLS season, Part II.
Atlanta United makes their home debut in the third week of the season, following last week’s bye. A full capacity Benz (with some fresh new turf to boot) awaits both them and the New England Revolution, the latter of which is coming off of two losses in league play to open the season. However, the Revs are also actively competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup, and enter Saturday’s match on a high following a 4-0 win at home over Alajuelense on Wednesday.
Players to Watch
Carles Gil, the Revolution’s captain and centerpiece, who recently signed a long-term extension to his Designated Player contract as the team’s No. 10. The three time MLS All-Star scored a banger of a goal against D.C. in Week One, and should be well rested after sitting for the Revs’ midweek CCC win.
Tomas Chancalay, an Argentine winger who joined New England on a permanent deal after playing on loan from Racing in the latter half of last season. Chancalay scored a brace in the aforementioned 4-0 midweek victory, and took over at the top of Caleb Porter’s formation in the absence of Giancomo Vrioni, who is available for selection following his red card suspension picked up in the season opener in D.C.
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Stat Comparison
It’s still way early in the season to get all that much from stat averages, but nonetheless:
Shots: Atlanta 7-16 New England
Shots on Target: Atlanta 3-5.5 New England
Passing Accuracy: Atlanta 91.1%-83.5% New England
xG: Atlanta 0.7-3.1 New England
Saves: Atlanta 2-1.5 New England
One of these teams played the defending champions away, the other hosted Toronto FC last week and were down to 10 against D.C. United. Good luck taking much away here.
The History
Atlanta holds a slim 5-4-4 advantage in the all time record against the Revolution, and a more dominant 4-1-2 record as the host team. The last meeting at home you may well remember as the “Miguel Berry Game”, a 3-3 rollercoaster draw that saw Atlanta climb out of a 2-0 first half hole (with a first minute goal) to take the late lead with a Berry wonder volley before an even later Gil equalizer three minutes into stoppage left things level. Two months later, the Revs walked away 2-1 winners at Gillette Stadium after scoring twice in the opening ten minutes of play. Want a key to the match? Don’t. Concede. Early.
Availability Reports
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Atlanta United has a completely clean bill of health headed into the home opener. Rejoice.
For New England, Dylan Borrero, Brandon Bye, and Peyton Miller are likely to remain on the injury report. Last week’s questionable players (Carles Gil, Henry Kessler, and Bobby Wood) all made the matchday roster on Wednesday, and are seemingly good to go for Saturday.
Predicted Lineups
Atlanta United Predicted XI:
New England Revolution Predicted XI:
Score Predictions
Tommy: 3-1 Atlanta
Grey: 2-0 Atlanta
Calum: 2-1 Atlanta
Tyler: 2-1 Atlanta
Henry: 2-1 Atlanta
Sydney: 2-1 Atlanta
Jackson: 3-1 Atlanta
Your turn! Leave any and all predicted scorelines, goalscorers, and hot takes in the comments below.
Dear Atlantistas, I was planning on watching your game – although there might be a conflict. Your game will begin some time after 21 30 my time, and this is Saturday, movie night with my 12-year-old. I am working on building his knowledge of 20th century cinema, and it is kind of sacred here in the residence. Anyway, I read that your opponent is involved in the Champions Cup. That should make Atlanta a heavier favorite, right? MLS clubs don´t have the depth to go into both competitions with the same gas, and Atlanta has been resting for a long time. So, I would bet my nanopesetas on you.
And, isn´t this something? The fact that in just a few years your clubs are actually favoring the Champions League over MLS games? I saw Nashville x Miami, and the stadium was full, and it was clearly a big game atmosphere. I remember Atlanta playing in a secondary stadium a few years back, right?
So, things evolve. Hope you smash the bad guys, and hope we get an early film here, so I can join you.
Hey Marcelo! It’s good that you found the new website.
The Champions League is called CONCACAF Champions Cup now, so if you see people talking about CCC, that is what they mean. Atlanta having had a lot of time off (they didn’t play at all last week) may make them slow, but maybe New England will be tired from their CCC play earlier this week like you said.
If you have Apple TV, you can always watch the game at a later time – don’t forget that.
Hi! Glad to be here. I understand that Atlanta only played one game while other clubs already played 3? Anyway, I am curious about your 2024 formation. My Gremio´s is not convincing me much. I don´t have Apple +, and will check if there is some alternative here. I like to watch games as they happen, will try. Best luck!
[…] Match Preview: Atlanta United vs. New England Revolution […]
Game day! Vamos Atlanta!
1-1 draw
I’m predicting 3-1 good guys!! I hope to see a bit more cohesion down the offensive flanks
either 2-0 or 3-1 would be solid
4-1 good guys. Brace for Giako. Almada with a goal and an assist. Sabo with 2 assists. Silva with a goal. Lennon gets an assist.
Williams fouls Gil in the box for a PK that Brad doesn’t get for the lone Rev goal.
I’m please at how this one aged.
Ready for a win in the home opener. We’ll be there in the nosebleeds. Chearing the five stripes on in a 2-0 clean sheet.
fondest NE memory? september 2017 (i think) at the benz when we put 7 goals on them, including a josef hat trick, and their biggest line of the nite was 2 red cards in the first half. what a glorious beat-down that was!
The Rev Wedding!
27-0 da Five Stripes
4-1 Atlanta