With the international break in the books, Atlanta United embarks in their last seven matches of the season. While the playoffs aren’t likely at this points, a win against FC Cincinnati at the Benz (a team that is missing their best player and shipping goals at a high rate) will at least give Atlanta fans something to hold on to down the stretch.
Get ready for Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati
Scarves and Spikes Prematch Show | Saturday, 6:30 p.m. ET
Instant reaction to Atlanta United’s starting XI, plus a final outlook before kickoff. Click here →
Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati Match Thread and How to Watch
How to tune in to Atlanta vs. FC Cincinnati, along with our match thread. Comment on the action with Atlanta United fans from all over. Click here →
Scouting FC Cincy: Q&A with Geoff Tebbetts from Cincinnati Soccer Talk
Geoff Tebbetts from Cincinnati Soccer Talk gives us the scoop on the Orange and Blue. Click here →
Patreon Exclusive: Across the Pitch with Laurel Pfahler
Laurel Pfahler from Queen City Press gives her insight on FC Cincinnati in this Patreon exclusive. Click here →
The scoop on FC Cincinnati
8-9-9, 33 points, 10th in East
Last result: L 3-1 at CF Montréal (September 26)
The big news of this one is the absence of Evander, whose reputation as a dynamic player speaks for itself. But he was subbed off in the 13th minute in the season opener against Atlanta and now will miss the return fixture at the Benz. That should open the door for Dado Valenzuela to get the start in his place, but, as Laurel Pfahler told me, Pavel Bucha is a name worth keeping an eye on as well. They still, of course, have Kévin Denkey, who scored in the opener and is on 3g/1a over the past two games.
The defense, though, is another story. I would like to think that even Atlanta could find a way to put multiple goals past Roman Celentano, because few teams have struggled to do so. During an 0-3-3 slump, Cincinnati has let in 18 goals, including three or more goals in four of its last five outings.
Former Philadelphia Union player José Andres Martinez, an absolute pest during his first stint in MLS, reunited with Chris Albright and Pat Noonan when he signed with Cincinnati on Friday from Corinthians. He won’t be available, of course.
Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati injuries, availability
Atlanta United – Will Reilly is out with an ankle injury.
FC Cincinnati – Evander’s injury looms the largest over this game.
Atlanta United’s projected lineup vs. FC Cincinnati (4-3-3)
GK: Lucas Hoyos
D: Elias Báez, Júnior Alonso, Paulo Díaz, Tomás Jacob
M: Giuliano Galoppo, Mauricio Amaro, Cooper Sanchez
F: Breel Embolo, Miguel Almiron, Alexey Miranchuk
Score prediction: Atlanta United 3-3 FC Cincinnati
Before I knew Evander would be out, I predicted a 3-3 scoreline. I’m sticking with it: Cincinnati still has quality outside of Evander, and its defense has been out of sorts for much of the season. I’ll take it a step further and say that Embolo bags a brace.