Atlanta United vs Philadelphia Union
, KO: 21:00 Jul 2, 2023, Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta United are looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat to New York Red Bulls as they host Philadelphia Union in an Eastern Conference MLS fixture on Sunday. Atlanta will be banking on home advantage but with Philadelphia also looking solid on their recent travels, they could be set to cancel each other out.
Atlanta United are coming off a humiliating defeat to at New York Red Bulls in their previous MLS fixture. They had a few attempts on goal but were ultimately let down by a dodgy backline that was constantly picked apart by the hosts.
That was Atlanta United's first defeat in eight matches across all competitions, although they have only claimed two wins in that run, with the remaining five matches ending in draws. Sitting sixth on the table, manager Gonzalo Pineda will be keen to get things back on track as they look to secure a playoff finish.
The good news for Atlanta United is that they are returning to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium which had not seen defeat in the last four matches. However, the defensive problems remain present even in front of their fans as they have kept just one clean sheet in their last six MLS home matches.
Philadelphia Union travel to Atlanta off the back of an impressive 4-1 victory over struggling Inter Miami last time out in the MLS. They were comfortable throughout and raced to a three-goal lead in the first half, with a David Ruiz own-goal completing the rout.
The Union Zolos have impressed lately and are unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions. Jim Curtin’s men have claimed six wins in that run and could rise to second on the standings if results go their way this weekend.
Philadelphia Union have also impressed on their recent travels, suffering just one defeat in their last six away matches. They battled to a 2-2 draw with Orlando City last time out on the road in a result that highlighted a shaky defence that is without a clean sheet in the last five away matches.
How the bookies view it
Atlanta United have the slight edge among the bookies with a home win priced at 7/5 by 10bet. A victory for Philadelphia Union us valued at 19/10 by bet365 while a draw is set at odds of 27/10 by William Hill.
Head to head
Atlanta United have a 5-4 edge with five draws from 14 previous matches against Philadelphia Union. However, Philadelphia are unbeaten in the last six meetings, claiming three wins in that run while the last two meetings at the Mercedes-Benz Arena have ended in draws.
Players to watch
Georgios Giakoumakis remains the leading scorer for Atlanta United with 10 MLS goals and will be the one to watch on Sunday. The Greek forward could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime at 17/10 with William Hill.
Julian Carranza also has 10 MLS goals this season and will be tasked with carrying the attacking threat for Philadelphia Union. William Hill has the striker at odds of 2/1 to get on the score sheet on Sunday.
Anything else catch the eye?
Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union often impress going forward and with both defences also unconvincing, there are likely to be goals here. Over 4.5 goals is valued at 9/2 by William Hill while Unibet is offering 7/4 for over 3.5 goals.
Both teams have had a few late showings in recent times and can be backed score in the second half at 15/8 by Paddy Power. The second half can also be tipped to produce the most goals at 11/10 with Paddy Power.
This match between Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union will be played on Jul 2, 2023 and kick off at 21:00. Check below for our tipsters best Atlanta United vs Philadelphia Union prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
