Atlanta United welcome Chicago Fire to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for an Eastern Conference MLS clash. Both teams have been below their best lately, but the hosts will come into the match counting on their solid home form.
Atlanta United have found things difficult lately and are winless in their last five MLS matches. Ronny Deila’s men have drawn their last two matches, battling to a 0-0 scoreline at DC United before playing 1-1 at Toronto FC in their previous fixture.
The good news for Atlanta is that both matches on this run have been on the road and they return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which has produced some good results. They have won their last two home matches, picking up a 3-2 victory over Orlando City in the previous fixture in front of their fans.
The Chicago Fire have also struggled lately and have lost four of their last five matches in all competitions. They travel to Atlanta off the back of a 2-1 home defeat to San Diego FC last time out in the league.
The Fire have also been poor on their travels, losing three of their last five away matches in all competitions. Gregg Berhalter's men lost 2-1 at Cincinnati in their previous fixture on the road before crashing out of the US Open Cup following a 3-1 extra-time defeat to Minnesota United.
How the bookies view it: Upper hand for Atlanta
The bookies have installed Atlanta United as favourites with a home win set at evens by BoyleSports. A victory for Chicago Fire is valued at 9/5, while a draw is valued at 11/4.
Head to head: Atlanta on top
Atlanta United have an 8-6 advantage, with three draws from 17 previous matches against the Chicago Fire. The visitors earned a 2-1 home victory in the reverse fixture while the hosts have won the last six home meetings.
Players to watch: Latte Lath catches the eye
Emmanuel Latte Lath was on target in Toronto to take his tally for the season to six MLS goals and will be the one to watch in this clash. Miguel Almiron has found the net three times this season, and both men can ensure the hosts produce over 1.5 goals – valued at 4/6 with BoyleSports.
Hugo Cuypers has been the standout player for the Chicago Fire this season, scoring 12 goals so far. Brian Gutierrez has been on target seven times this term, and both men can combine to produce over 0.5 goals for the visitors (Chicago Fire over 1.5 goals – priced at 1/5).
Probable line-ups:
Ajani Fortune and Derrick Williams are ruled out for Atlanta United through injury. Goalkeeper Brad Guzan should return after sitting out the last match following cheekbone surgery while Latte Lath is set to continue in attack.
The Chicago Fire are without Justin Reynolds and Carlos Teran, who are currently sidelined with injury. Cuypers and Jonathan Bamba are expected to continue their partnership in attack.
Atlanta United: Guzan, Amador, Abram, Edwards, Lennon, Slisz, Klich, Miranchuk, Almiron, Lobzhanidze, Latte Lath
Chicago Fire: Brady, Dean, Rogers, Elliot, Gutman, Oregel, Pineda, Gutierrez, Zinckernagel, Bamba, Cuypers
Anything else catch the eye?
Atlanta United’s last two home matches have produced over 3.5 goals – available at 23/10 with BoyleSports. There have been more goals after the break in the last five meetings (second half most goals at 20/23).
The hosts have scored in both halves in their last two home matches (Atlanta United to score in both halves – 8/5).
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