Let’s get this out of the way first: neither Atlanta United nor Sporting Kansas City is a good team.
Both have languished at the bottom of the league standings for weeks and have disappointed their fans in every imaginable metric. They’re among the worst attacking teams in MLS (SKC’s 19 goals rank 30 out of 30; Atlanta is third-lowest with 23), with SKC’s 49 goals allowed second-worst in the league. The gulf between them and the top of the standings is massive.
However…in the context of Atlanta United’s two-match winning streak, we present this without comment:
Get ready for Atlanta United vs. Sporting Kansas City
Scarves and Spikes Prematch Show | Sunday, 6 p.m. ET on YouTube
Instant reaction to Atlanta United’s starting XI, plus a final outlook before kickoff. Click here.
The scoop on Sporting Kansas City
4-13-3, 15 points, 15th in West
Last result: D 1-1 vs. St. Louis City (August 19)
Atlanta’s recent form has pushed SKC, who are in the midst of a similarly disappointing season, to the bottom of the Supporters’ Shield standings. Raphael Wicky’s men did get a nice result against St. Louis City on Wednesday, but aside from that, there’s nothing much to hang your hat on if you’re a fan of the team. That said, new owner Peter Mallouk has promised to open the purse strings to improve this roster, with the signing of winger Andre Luiz from Greek side Olympiacos for a reported $18M (a top-five figure in MLS) a major statement of intent.
More big news emerged on Saturday night, as star man Dejan Joveljiฤ (8g/3a) was reportedly traded to the Seattle Sounders for $6M just 18 months after SKC acquired him in a $4M cash-for-transfer deal from the LA Galaxy. It opens up a DP slot for SKC as they continue a very aggressive rebuild without their top striker. It will be interesting to see where Mallouk and president of soccer operations David Lee go from here.
Atlanta United vs. Sporting Kansas City injuries
Will Reilly is available for selection after recovering from his ankle injury, but Jay Fortune’s hamstring will keep him out a few more weeks. Everyone else will be present and accounted for outside of Mauricio Amaro (visa).
Sporting KC won’t have Luiz available for a little longer as he awaits his visa. Centerback Or Blorian (back) is questionable.
Atlanta United’s projected lineup against Sporting Kansas City (4-3-3)
GK: Lucas Hoyos
D: Elias Bรกez, Jรบnior Alonso, Paulo Dรญaz, Tomรกs Jacob
M: Tristan Muyumba, Cooper Sanchez, Adrian Gill
F: Fafรก Picault, Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirรณn
Score prediction: Atlanta United 2-0 Sporting Kansas City
Things can just as easily go wrong, but I think Atlanta United keeps it rolling. They defeat Sporting KC to make it three straight and launch themselves right back into the playoff race.