While Atlanta United seems to have snapped out of its recent slump with a 3-0 win over Charlotte Independence in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, it will need a result against visiting D.C. United tomorrow if it wants to start regaining lost territory in the MLS standings.
Both teams are in a similar spot in the table – floating around the middle of the pack, but either uncomfortably close to dropping below the playoff line or – in Atlanta’s case – already beneath it. Then again, a win and some help puts the Five Stripes fifth in the East.
Key word there is WIN. Something Atlanta seems to have forgotten how to do in MLS.
Anyways, you know the drill. Time to break out the cool graphics and nerdy stats to help add some context to the match.
Players to Watch
Remember how explosive Giorgos Giakoumakis was for Atlanta United when he first entered the league last year? That’s Christian Benteke this season.
He’s fourth in the Golden Boot race with eight goals in 810 minutes, which means he is averaging about a goal a game. He leads the league in non-penalty xG (6.5) and makes his presence in the box known with his impressive 81.6% aerial duel win rate (No. 6 in MLS). Injuries to center backs Stian Gregersen and Derrick Williams have undermined the Five Stripes’ success in the air as of late, emphasized by the team conceding a headed set piece goal in the last game. Benteke is a player they will definitely want to mark with someone a little taller than Tristan Muyumba.
Jared Stroud is the Black and Red’s top assister thus far with four. He’s tied with Klich for the team’s most expected assisted goals (2.7) and has provided 15 key passes (No. 2 on team) this season. He is a versatile player who has played a few different roles for Troy Lesesne’s squad, but he has kept to the right side for the most part.
Want to talk about elite passers? Look no further than Mateusz Klich. The experienced Polish midfielder is in his second season with D.C. and has been instrumental to the team’s ball progression and chance creation. Klich leads the league in expected assists (4.1), ranks No. 11 in passes into the penalty area 23 and No. 12 in key passes (24). Although he has only recorded two assists this season, his influence in midfield should be watched closely.
The Stats
The History
Atlanta United leads the all-time series against D.C. United with a 9-6-1 record. When at home, the Five Stripes’ dominance becomes more pronounced with a 6-2-0 record. Interestingly, the two teams have only faced during the MLS regular season (which will change with their upcoming Leagues Cup match in July).
The last time these teams faced at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta United cruised to a 3-1 win with goals from Giakoumakis, Tyler Wolff and Andrew Gutman on June 10, 2023.
Availability Reports
Will be updated after official reports are released.
Atlanta United
Questionable:
Out:
- Stian Gregersen – head
- Jamal Thiaré – hamstring
- Derrick Williams – calf
D.C. United
Questionable:
Out:
- Connor Antley
Predicted Lineups
Atlanta United Predicted XI
D.C. United Predicted XI
Score Predictions
Jackson (8 points): 1-1 draw
Tommy (7 points): 2-1 Atlanta
Sydney (6 points): 2-0 Atlanta
Calum (5 points):
Henry (4 points): 2-1 Atlanta
Grey (4 points): 3-2 Atlanta
Tyler (4 points): Idk, probably Atlanta wins 3-1?
What do you think? Drop your predictions in the comments below and let us know your thoughts on this match!
[…] Match Preview: Atlanta United vs D.C. United […]
They probably won’t fire Pineda if we lose this game….but they will start looking for their next coach and make the change after the European season ends.
If we win? Pineda buys himself more time. But Garth wants top 4. If he’s not going to get it from Pineda, he won’t hesitate to make the change.
If Thiare is healthy enough to come off the bench, maybe:
Rios, Giako
Almada Saba
Muyumba Slisz
Wiley Abram Cobb Lennon
Guz
Would be a different look, but could be effective.
Well, Thiare is out again this week, so that’s not happening.
Rip
Really need the attack to start clicking again. The Minnesota game was particularly depressing. Hope Silva gets the start over Mosquera.
If silva is still out, I think I’d actually be interested in seeing a 4-3-3 of:
Almada – Giakoumakis – Saba
Muyumba-McCarty-Slisz
Wiley-Abram-Cobb-Lennon
But if Silva is ready to start, then definitely let’s get a 9+2 lineup of the usual. We need to see the offense cook, more than anything else.
Silva played on Tuesday as a sub, so I think he will play tomorrow, but I think he will come off the bench once more, with Mosquera starting at the RW. Also, highly unlikely they run a 4-3-3
Oh definitely. I just heard the idea and liked it of getting the best (healthy) 11. It would give slisz and muyumba more freedom to get involved in the attack, instead of a Wolff/mosquera.
I hate to do it, but until this team shows hey can win: 1-1.
“they”
I think Silva might come off the bench, so Mosquera will probably end up starting at the RW and Saba at the LW. Silvan coming on at the 60th min mark at the LW and switch Saba to RW depending whether they sub him off for Brennan