After an unsatisfying 2-2 draw to the Philadelphia Union, Atlanta United will look to bring the taste of victory back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday with a win against FC Cincinnati.
This will be yet another quality opponent to test the Five Stripes’ competitiveness while also offering the chance to jump to 3rd in the Eastern Conference with some help from the Portland Timbers in their visit to the Columbus Crew.
Aside from improving Atlanta’s position in the table, defeating the reigning Supporters’ Shield champions should boost morale ahead of a road trip to Chicago next weekend. Although two consecutive draws may not provide much encouragement for three points, the returns of Giorgos Giakoumakis and Xande Silva could help tip the scales in the Five Stripes’ favor.
Players to Watch
It’s impossible to talk about FC Cincinnati without bringing up 2023 Landon Donovan MVP Luciano Acosta. The Argentine midfielder recorded an outstanding 19 goals and 12 assists last year and is off to a strong start in 2024 with two goals and four assists. Acosta scored during both matches against Atlanta United last season and even kickstarted a 2-1 comeback in the Orange and Blue’s last visit to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Next is another of Cincinnati’s Designated Players, Aaron Boupendza. The Gabonese striker grabbed six goals and an assist after arriving in MLS last summer and has started the year with two goals. He leads the team in xG (2.2) and is 21st in the league in non-penalty xG (2.2).
And of course we have to mention a familiar face in center back Miles Robinson. The USMNT defender ranks 33rd in MLS for shots blocked (5) and 18th in clearances (31). He’s also had an impact in the final third as well after scoring the winning goal in Cincinnati’s 2-1 win against Chicago Fire. Robinson was a menace in the air for the Five Stripes and that hasn’t changed at all since his move to the Queen City.
The Stats
The History
Atlanta United leads the all-time series against FC Cincinnati with a 5-2-4 record. When playing in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the record is a much more even 3-2-2. The last time the Five Stripes defeated the Orange and Blues was in 2021 where it won 2-1 away and 4-0 at home.
Availability Reports
Atlanta United
Questionable:
- Giorgos Giakoumakis – knee
- Xande Silva – adductor
Out:
- Derrick Williams – calf
- Jamal Thiare – hamstring
- Stian Gregersen – knee
FC Cincinnati
Out:
- Sergio Santos – leg
- Roman Celentano – ankle
Predicted Lineups
Atlanta United Predicted XI
FC Cincinnati Predicted XI
Score Predictions
Jackson (7 points): 3-1 Atlanta
Tommy (6 points): 2-1 Atlanta
Sydney (5 points): 1-1 Draw
Henry (4 points): 3-2 Atlanta
Grey (4 points): 2-2 Draw
Calum (4 points): 2-1 Atlanta
Tyler (3 points): 2-1 Atlanta
Time for your predictions! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
I’m not a tactical guru by any means, so I could be completely wrong – shouldn’t we play direct and wide to the corners behind their attacking wingbacks? I thought 3-5-2 is the opposite – they have 3 CBs, 3CMs, and 2 CF so they’re packed in the middle, though maybe not as much as Philly’s 4-4-2 diamond – but there’s space wide because they’re expecting 1 WB to cover both defense and attack.
A convincing win doesn’t seem out of the question…even if gg is rested.
If GG plays, I could see this. If he’s out, I think we’ll struggle
[…] Match Preview: Atlanta United vs FC Cincinnati […]
I’m going with a nervy 2-1 win. It is strange because it is difficult to pinpoint the exact reason, but there is something with having Abram in the starting 11 that causes inconsistency. The only logical reason seems to be leadership and communication. Wonder if it would exist with Stian or Williams next to him.
I think Wiley continues to own Yedlin and Saba terrorizes Cincy for us in this one.
Two evenly matched teams imho. 2-2 or 2-1 seem like decent guesses. But any given Saturday…
Cincy’s scored just 8 goals in 8 games? If we can put 2 past them, we should be good. 3 would be better with our makeshift backline.
And you forgot to mention that they’ll be starting Decatur’s Own Alec Kann – another homecoming of sorts. Hopefully, he won’t be as good as he was his last start here.
Will certainly welcome home Kann warmly. For me, that will not be the case for #12.
I’m in the same boat here. I’ve been happy for/supported every other player that has left, but this one feels bad. Leaving for another MLS team for the same money is not a good look. I’ve read the “reasoning” people try to justify this with, and I’m not buying in. Miles was a favorite player of mine, but I’m not even excited to see him with the national team after this. Another reason to win this one convincingly, payback for the betrayal.
Betrayal seems a bit strong. Miles was a great individual defender but we are better off without him.
Im pretty indifferent.
I think he wanted essentially a one-year deal to bet on himself and go to Europe. I think we wanted to sign him to a multi-year. I think he just took the offer he thought better positioned him to get to Europe, sooner.
We haven’t missed him on the pitch, and that surprises me.
2-1 good guys. Giorgos plays and scores before being subbed off at ~60min. Assisted by Saba. Almada gets a Golazo.
Brad stands on his head at least once. He also makes at least 4 saves.
I’d love to see Almada score, but I’m not holding my breath…
I’m assuming if Silva and GG both start they will be pulled around the 60th min. I can’t imagine them both playing the full match
That’s possible. Either way, I don’t mind them playing 60 then bringing on Mosquera and Rios. Both can still provide quality in their roles off the bench.
considering both of them are listed as questionable, i think both of them come off the bench into the match between the 60th min and 75th min depending on their fitness
If we’re winning or otherwise down by more than a goal, I’m not sure we see either if they didn’t start. Given past injuries and length of the season, I’d be inclined to rest GG and go with Silva if he’s ready for 60min. A severe enough bone bruise can result in further bone damage. The adductor while potentially lingering isn’t catastrophic. And we don’t have great options there. All that said, if the groin strain was bad enough he might not even be ready.