Hopefully y’all were able to make it through the week without ending up on the injury report. In a time where players seem to be going down left and right, it’s understandable to be a little extra careful. However, if you happened to pull your hammy getting out of bed this morning, no worries! All you need are your eyeballs to get the most important info ahead of Atlanta United hosting the Philadelphia Union.
After a less-than-thrilling draw from a visit to New York City FC, the Five Stripes now face a much steeper challenge. To continue its perfect home record, Atlanta will have to conquer the only remaining undefeated team in the league – the Philadelphia Union.
And it’ll have to do it while missing at least three players. Buckle up, y’all.
Players to Watch
The Union’s top goal scorer of 2023 is already off to a hot start. Daniel Gazdag has four goals and an assist this season playing in the role of creator in midfield. This season, he ranks 12th in MLS for expected goals (2.9) and 10th in non-penalty goals per shot (0.24).
Next up is Julian Carranza, who picked up where he left off from a 14-goal season in 2023. He already has four goals this season and is 9th in the league for non-penalty xG (2.4). He isn’t afraid to drop deep and help his team progress the ball, and he’s able to use his speed to get into the right places. Needless to say, containing Carranza will be a major test of Atlanta’s diminished backline.
Finally, we have to talk about Philadelphia’s wingback menace: Kai Wagner. He led the team in assists last year (8) and is second in the league for key passes (18). His crossing is excellent, making him a superb set piece taker. He has two very tall center backs to target with Jack Elliot coming in at 6’6″ and Jakob Glesnes at 6’2″, so Atlanta United will have to be very disciplined in its set piece defense.
The Stats
The History
In regular season play, Atlanta United carries a 5-4-4 advantage over the Union. At home, the Five Stripes are unbeaten in the series with a 4-0-3 record. Last time Philadelphia came to town, it was handed a 2-0 loss thanks to goals from Thiago Almada and Brooks Lennon. The Five Stripes handled their business and did it with little help from star striker Giorgos Giakoumakis who was subbed off after 30 minutes due to injury.
Availability Reports
Will be updated after latest availability reports drop.
Atlanta United
Out:
- Stian Gregersen – Meniscus
- Giorgos Giakoumakis – Knee
- Xande Silva – Adductor
- Jamal Thiare – Hamstring
- Derrick Williams – Calf
Philadelphia Union
Questionable:
- Andre Blake – Head
Out:
- Leon Flach – Shoulder
- Isiah LeFlore – Knee
- Holden Trent – Hand
Predicted Lineups
Atlanta United Predicted XI
Philadelphia Union Predicted XI
Score Predictions
Jackson (7 points): 1-0 Philadelphia
Tommy (6 points): 2-1 Philadelphia
Sydney (5 points):
Henry (4 points): 2-1 Philadelphia
Calum (4 points): 3-1 Philadelphia
Tyler (3 points): 2-1 Atlanta
Grey (3 points): 1-1 Draw
What are your predictions? Let us know in the comments below!
Philadelphia 5 Atlanta 0. 4 goals from field of play 1 penalty kick as well as, 2 Philly goals called back for off-sides. This will be the worst defeat at home since the beat-down by Austin
[…] Match Preview: Atlanta United vs Philadelphia Union […]
I hate Philly, in almost every facet of life, but I don’t see how we get a result today…
With all our injured against Philly? My left brain says this game is likely a loss. My right brain says we could play to a draw. My heart says we could win, but to not ignore what my brain is telling me.
In other words – I’m not optimistic on this one, but Vamos ATL!
Nothing good will come from this match.
Both center backs are out. Both our starting and backup strikers are out.
And MLS delayed implementing the rule that penalizes flopping, which is Philly’s gameplan and “style.” The PRO refs are back, why haven’t they moved forward with it?
Josef with a goal and an assist today. He’s always been one of the best finishers in the league, even post-injury; but he has looked physically fit again all season with Montreal on the field. He hasn’t been playing full 90s for now, but I’m happy for him that he’s performing at a solid level again.
I think Wolff starts again at LW and Mosquera off the bench like last week. I could maybe see Saba play the 9 and Almada in the shadow striker role
Can you link to that video here? Or just tell me the name of the channel?
https://youtu.be/He0J4I5vclI?si=Y4bs_yPLHeNiszfs&t=172
Unfortunately, no GG (nor starting CBs) no win.
Unfortunately, I think the way this one plays out will align exactly with how Almada performs. If he plays really well, we tie or win. If he continues on his current trend, we lose.
Do not think we walk away from this one with a clean sheet. See at least one goal scored against us, but think it is more likely 2. Feel like we walk away with a 2-2 draw in this one.
Also, I hope we see Mosquera instead of Wolff to start. Not his natural side, but he brings so much more dynamism than Wolff. Think we need that with GG and Thiare out. I also think Mosquera has earned more minutes with his contributions.
100% agree on Mosquera over Wolff. I think you could actually flip Mosquera and Saba since Saba has played on the left in his career. I have them this way so that they are inverted, which is how ATL UTD typically deploys its wingers.
Also, this is going to be our first real look at Rios. He was pretty good in his last MLS stints, so hopefully he can bring some of that back.
I hate everything about the Union so I really hope that Rios is much better than I expect. If Rios doesn’t play well, Almada will resort to hero ball and that is almost never good.