DC United vs Atlanta United

The two out-of-sorts Major League Soccer sides are set to trade tackles at Audi Field in Washington, DC, as DC United take on Atlanta United.

After failing to reach the MLS playoffs in the last four seasons, DC United could make a quantum leap this term despite winning just four of their opening 18 league matches (D7, L7). They commence this round in 10th in the Eastern Conference, only one point adrift of the playoff line, though a six-game winless run in the build-up to this encounter (D2, L4) can’t inspire much confidence. Troy Lesesne’s men have alternated between drawing (2) and losing (3) across their last five MLS outings, largely thanks to a porous defense that hasn’t kept a clean sheet in 12 consecutive matches. On top of that, the hosts are winless in four home games straight (D3, L1), three of which featured over 2.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet, highlighting the potential for a high-scoring contest.

Visiting Atlanta United thought that they could respond to a goal-glutted 3-2 defeat at the hands of Charlotte FC with a win, only to concede a last-gasp equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Houston Dynamo at home over the weekend, making it just one win across their last 12 MLS fixtures (D5, L6). Despite their rotten patch, the Five Stripes have been fun to watch as their three league games in the lead-up to this trip have produced 4+ goals, with both sides scoring on each occasion. Against this backdrop, Atlanta’s last two visits to DC have both contained under 2.5 goals (W1, D1). But as each saw a goal scored on or beyond the 80th minute, a late action could be on the cards.