Atlanta United, who ended a three-match winless run in MLS with a 4-1 victory over the Montreal Impact last weekend, are within range of a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference as they head to BMO Field to face Toronto on Saturday for the first time this year with kickoff at 2:30 am.
The rebuilding process in Toronto has been slow and, at times, painful for this once great franchise that made it to three MLS Cup finals in between 2016 and 2019. The rebuilding process was not easy for this once great franchise that made it to three MLS Cup finals in between 2016 and 2019 and won one in 2017.
Just like in their first match this year against the New York Red Bulls, TFC looked asleep in the early going last weekend, conceding a goal to Lewis Morgan in the second minute. Poor starts have proven to be a downfall for Bob Bradley’s side throughout the campaign; they have conceded six goals within the opening half-hour.
When they are under pressure, TFC tends to make a lot of mistakes, which ends up costing them more often than not.
In a campaign that has been anything but smooth sailing in Atlanta, interim boss Rob Valentino and his side put together perhaps their most comfortable victory of the season, conceding three shots on target against the Herons.
Toronto vs Atlanta Head to Head
Both sides have 11 games against each other with hosts taking four wins while visitors with three wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Toronto 4-0 Montreal
- NY Red Bulls 2-0 Toronto
- Forge 1-1 Toronto
- Toronto 3-2 Chicago
Away
- Atlanta United 2-0 Inter Miami
- Atlanta United 3-2 Pashuca
- Columbus Crew 2-1 Atlanta United
- Nashville 2-2 Atlanta United
Toronto Team News
Ayo Akinola scored twice to lead Toronto to a 3-2 win over Montreal at the Canadian Championship on Wednesday night, with further strikes from Jesus Jimenez and Alejandro Pozuelo. In their previous home fixture in league play, Pozuelo notched a pair of goals, while Deandre Kerr scored his second of the year.
Atlanta United Team News
Atlanta United FC still has plenty of injuries as starting midfielder Osvaldo Alonso (ACL), starting defender Dylan Castanheira (Achilles), backup goalkeeper Brad Guzan (Achilles), backup defender Andrew Gutman (quad), and reserve players Ronald Hernandez (MCL) and Machop Chol (leg) are all expected to miss this encounter.
Prediction and Odds
Recently, the hosts have faced setbacks but found a way to comeback. We expect the same case this weekend.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 3.5