Atlanta United will be bidding to return to the winning ways this weekend when they host Columbus Crew at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in their 13th game week in the Major League Soccer. Kickoffs at 02:00 EAT.
Atlanta United occupies the edge of the safe zone (eighth) with 16 points and will be hoping to find a spot inside the MLS Cup playoffs. Their recent recording of three back to back unbeaten outcomes might boost them to extend the thread to four games by sealing a positive outcome. Defensive deficiencies have undermined Atlanta’s campaign to this point, but with struggling opponents now visiting the Benz, the attacking prowess of Thiago Almada and company could be set to shine.
Atlanta United prepare for this fixture off the back off 2-2 MLS stalemate with Nashville in their last game. In that match, Atlanta United had 56% possession, 14 shots with four of them on target and goals scored by Thiago Almada (26′) and Dom Dwyer (88′). Nashville got 13 shots with five of them on target and goals by C.J. Sapong (24′) and Hany Mukhtar (31′).
On the other end, Columbus Crew is currently at the 12th spot of the Eastern Conference table with a total of 13 points. Their offensive and defensive line-up looks average. Sitting outside of the playoff picture, three points behind Atlanta, the side that finished ninth last year will be aiming to reverse their decline soon, and they now have one last chance to do so ahead of the international break.
Columbus Crew will aim to bounce back from 0-2 MLS Loss to Los Angeles FC in their last match. In that game, Columbus Crew managed 66% possession, and 10 shots with three of them on target. Los Angeles FC got 14 shots with four of them on target and goals by Carlos Vela (62′) and José Cifuentes (73′)
Atlanta United vs Columbus Crew head to head
Since 2017 these two sides have had 14 head to head meetings against each other; Columbus Crew claims eight victories and Atlanta United United six victories.
- Columbus 2-3 Atlanta 8/08/21
- Atlanta 0-1 Columbus 24/07/21
- Columbus 2-1 Atlanta 08/11/20
- Atlanta 0-1 Columbus 22/07/20
- Atlanta 1-3 Columbus 15/09/19
Home
- Nashville 2-2 Atlanta
- Atlanta 2-2 New England
- Nashville 3-2 Atlanta
- Atlanta 4-1 Chicago
- Montreal 2-1 Atlanta
Away
- Columbus 0-2 Los Angeles
- New York City 2-0 Columbus
- New England 2-2 Columbus
- Columbus 3-0 DC United
- Kansas City 0-0 Columbus
Atlanta United team news
Defender Andrew Gutman, goalkeeper Brad Guzan, Miles Robinson and Osvaldo Alonso are set to miss out this fixture through injuries.
Columbus Crew
As for Caleb Porter’s side, Kevin Molino is the only absentee sidelined with Cruciate Ligament Rupture.
Prediction and odds
Atlanta United possesses an amazing form at home this season where they are yet to record a defeat while Columbus Crew is yet to record a win on road this season.
- Atlanta United Win
- Draw
- Both teams to score
