Toronto vs Atlanta United

Toronto FC and Atlanta United are set to trade tackles at BMO Field in a handsomely-looking Major League Soccer match-up.

After failing to reach the playoffs over the past three years, Toronto seems hellbent on securing a top-seven finish in the Eastern Conference this term as they commence this round in sixth despite losing 2-1 at New York City last time out. With Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne leading the line, you’d expect the Canadian outfit to be among the most prolific teams in MLS. However, after a scoreless draw against FC Cincinnati on matchday one, John Herdman’s men have netted precisely one goal in their last three league outings, recording the second joint-lowest scoring ratio in the Eastern Conference of only 0.75 goals per game. The upcoming clash against Atlanta could turn Toronto’s scoring fortunes around, as they’ve netted two goals in three of their last four H2Hs.

Despite Toronto’s relatively free-scoring H2H form, Atlanta United has only lost once in their last seven league duels against the Canadians (W3, D3). Such a formidable H2H record should inspire confidence around the traveling camp, with the Five Stripes bidding to post a third consecutive MLS victory after overcoming Orlando City and New England Revolution in the last two rounds by an aggregate score of 6-1. But both those victories came on home turf, while Atalanta’s only MLS travel this season produced a 1-0 defeat at Columbus Crew on day one. Bringing the previous campaign into the equation, Gonzalo Pineda’s men are winless in their last seven away league games (D3, L4), conceding multiple goals in five.