The last time Atlanta United and D.C. United took the pitch against each other was in October. You’ll recall, of course, that particular match being played for the Wooden Spoon. That “honor” ultimately went to D.C. after a 1-1 draw.
When Atlanta and D.C. face each other on Saturday, it will be too early to determine the trajectory of their respective seasons. Atlanta is coming off just its first win of the season and is in search of its first winning streak since beating FC Cincinnati and Orlando City in back-to-back games last May. D.C., in its first full year under head coach Rene Weiler, won its first match and lost its next two before a comeback win during Matchday 4. Both will be hoping to go into the international break on a high note.
Here’s what you need to know about D.C. United before they step into Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Matchday 5:
Get ready for Atlanta United vs. D.C. United
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The scoop on D.C. United
Last result: W 2-1 at Chicago Fire FC
All the scoring between D.C. United and the Fire happened after the 80-minute mark: Hugo Cuypers’ 81st-minute penalty put the Fire up 1-0 before Matti Peltola’s equalizer in the 84th minute and Tai Baribo’s kick from the spot in 90’+5 saw D.C. leave town with all three points.
This D.C. team, although incrementally improved over last year, hasn’t been able to score consistently. After a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union to open the season, it lost 1-0 to Austin FC and 2-1 to Inter Miami before last week’s win. Out of its four goals on the season, Baribo has three. At the same time, they’ve allowed just four.
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Atlanta United vs. D.C. United injuries
Will Reilly (hamstring) is out, along with Sergio Santos (illness). Juan Berrocal (hamstring) is questionable. Meanwhile, Jay Fortune will be with Atlanta United 2 once again to continue his rehab assignment.
For D.C. United, Aaron Herrera and Louis Munteanu are both dealing with lower-leg injuries and won’t play on Saturday.
Atlanta United’s projected lineup against D.C. United (4-3-3)
GK: Lucas Hoyos
D: Elías Báez, Enea Mihaj, Stian Gregersen, Tomás Jacob
M: Matías Galarza, Cooper Sanchez, Tristan Muyumba
F: Miguel Almirón (C), Latte Lath, Saba Lobjanidze
Score prediction: Atlanta United 2-1 D.C. United
Why change what’s working? Atlanta United gets past D.C. United to make it two straight wins and send the fans home happy.
Agreed with this post, the projected lineup will be the same as last weekend. Tata won’t change up much if anything (even hoyos), regardless of the fact that this will be a more challenging opponent. I’m anticipating a win and a show of consistency, but I’m also nervous because a loss will be devastating to our confidence. I hope the team stays focused and locked in the whole match. We will need to score a lot because we won’t be getting a clean sheet
Hoyos has got to go. All last match we were all wondering what on earth he was seeing
I am not a smart person. What the heck does Tata see in Hoyos to keep sending him out there??