Atlanta United host Orlando City in an MLS Eastern Conference clash on Sunday with both teams separated by just one point. A closely fought encounter is expected here but given Atlanta's fine home record and with Orlando unconvincing on their travels the hosts are likely to have the edge here.
Atlanta United are coming off a 2-1 defeat at New England in their previous MLS fixture. They were already two goals down by the 10th minute and laboured for much of encounter before Machop Chol netted a consolation in added time.
That was the first defeat in three matches for Atlanta United, who missed the chance to climb to third on the standings. Gonzalo Pineda’s men remain sixth on the table, well on course for a playoff finish but just one point above Orlando City in seventh position.
Sunday’s clash will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Atlanta United have lost just once in their last 10 MLS matches. They have claimed six wins in that run and triumphed 2-0 over Philadelphia Union in their previous home fixture.
Orlando City are also coming off a defeat as they were hammered 4-0 by Real Salt Lake last time out in the MLS. It was a poor outing from the visitors as they were constantly exposed at the back while also showing a lack of cutting edge in attack.
The result means Orlando City not only missed their own chance to climb the table but they also slipped further down. However, they remain in the mix for the postseason, sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference, four points clear off DC United just outside the playoff places.
The defeat at Real Salt Lake was not a one-off as it highlighted a poor record on the road for Orlando City in recent weeks. Oscar Pareja’s men are now winless in their last three away matches, suffering two defeats in that run.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have installed Atlanta United as overwhelming favourites with a home win priced at 21/20 by 10bet. A victory for Orlando City is valued at 5/2 by bet365 while 10bet is offering odds of 37/13 for a draw.
Head to head
Atlanta United have a 9-3 advantage with seven draws from 19 previous matches against Orlando City. Atlanta are also unbeaten in the last four meetings but were held to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture back in May.
Players to watch
With top scorer Georgios Giakoumakis still doubtful with injury, Thiago Almada could be the one to watch for Atlanta United. The attacker has eight MLS goals this season and could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime at 39/20 with Unibet.
Orlando City also have some quality in attack and Duncan McGuire could be worth keeping an eye on for the visitors. The forward is their leading scorer with seven MLS goals this season and is priced at 12/5 by William Hill to find the net on Sunday.
Anything else catch the eye?
There have been goals for both teams in two of their last three meetings and a similar outcome is priced at 8/13 with William Hill. Orlando City have seen over 3.5 goals in five of their last six home matches and a repeat is priced at 7/4 with Paddy Power, who is also offering odds of 13/20 for over 2.5 goals.
Atlanta United have scored in both halves in four of their last five home matches and Sunday’s clash can be tipped to follow a similar pattern at 9/5 with Paddy Power.
This MLS match between Atlanta United and Orlando City will be played on Jul 16, 2023 and kick off at 00:30. Check below for our tipsters best Atlanta United vs Orlando City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
