We’ve made it to the pentultimate home match of the season, and somehow, some way, Atlanta United is still mathematically alive in the playoff race. With only four games left to play, the Five Stripes find themselves still only six points back from the playoff line in the Eastern Conference thanks to a number of results falling in their favor last weekend.
Will things work out again this time to push elimination further along? Let’s begin with some head-to-head stats, courtesy of stats.scarvesandspikes.com:
It’s been nearly two and a half years since Atlanta’s last win over Chicago, that coming at home in March of 2024, where the Five Stripes earned a decisive 3-0 victory. Since then, it’s been two wins and two draws in favor of the Fire, including a 1-0 result at Soldier Field earlier this season. Atlanta United have never lost to the Fire at home, however, with an impressive seven wins and one draw.
Chicago has climbed up to fourth in the East over the course of the season, and even added a household name to their ranks: Robert Lewandowski. The 38 year old Polish striker has six goals and four assists since his summer arrival, but hasn’t been able to put his name on the scoresheet in the past six games. The Fire have lost their last two, a 3-1 loss to the in-form Philadelphia Union and a 1-0 loss to their table neighbors New England Revolution.
It’ll still be a tough test for Atlanta against a playoff bound team, and an opportunity to prove themselves at home, where they haven’t found three points since a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City on August 23rd, six home matches ago. They can’t quite be eliminated yet, but a loss combined with other results around the bubble could make for a do-or-die Wednesday in New York against NYCFC.
As far as availability goes, Will Reilly remains the only player to be listed with a lingering ankle injury, one that will keep him sidelined until the season’s end.
Tonight’s match is set for a 7:40 PM ET kickoff in the Benz. Streaming is available per usual through Apple TV. If audio is more your vibe, 92.9 The Game has your English language coverage, while La Mejor is your go-to for Spanish radio.
No matter where you’re watching, or how things look on the pitch, feel free to chime in on the match down below in our match thread as the Five Stripes go again in the Benz.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
TBA
Chicago Fire’s Lineup:
TBA
How to Watch:
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Kickoff Time: Saturday, October 24th, 7:40 PM ET
Available TV/Streaming: Apple TV
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM
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