Match Preview: ATL v DC

Today’s game is at the spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium. And what’s better, it’s during normal hours for us in the UK! Kicking off at an advertised 9pm, but will be 9:08pm. No late night for this one. DC are fresh off a convincing win in Cincinnati and Atlanta from a win against Houston Dynamo. What can we expect from this evenings game?

DC United

Will we return with Acosta to the lineup? I would think Ben Olsen will, but I would love for us to keep with the same lineup as the game against Cincy, for two reasons. 1st being that we won, and why would you change a winning lineup? 2nd being that if you keep chopping and changing the lineup, consistency breaks.

After the win in mid-week, DC will be on a high, 4 great goals, all from open play too. Titi Rodriguez is on good form right now, Arriola scoring again, things are looking good, however, they do need to be wary of being over-confident. Mercedes-Benz Stadium is an arena that can be very intimidating. But we have won there and hopefully we can replicate how well we did on that rain soaked night at the beginning of the season.

Atlanta United

The reigning champions, the team with Josef Martinez, they need to be watched, but with the likes of Bill Hamid (hopefully), Birnbaum & Brilliant should be able to sound him out. They are without Brek Shea who injured his ACL. We also have to be wary of Barco, the other Martinez, Pity, Gressel and Nagbe. Plenty for Olsen to think about and Moreno/Canouse will have their work cut out.

Their form has been very indifferent, not putting any back to back wins in the last 6 ties. It’s very similar to ours. Their home form has been very good though, not getting beat in the last 6. This will be a very tough game for us.

Score Prediction

I’m going for a repeat of earlier in the season. I think we will have a bit of confidence about us. I’m hoping we will keep the same lineup, with the addition of Hamid in goal, but in the event that Olsen does an Olsen, Acosta usually plays his best against this lot. So hopefully, either way, we will get a good game to watch later.

Where to watch

Streaming: Bet365

TV: Sky Sports Football