Charlotte FC will have the chance to kick off matchday two of Major League Soccer when they welcome Atlanta United to the Bank of America Stadium on Saturday.
The Crown will be eager to claim maximum points in their first home game of the season, while the visitors aim to build on the momentum of last weekend's victory.
Match preview
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Charlotte enter this contest off the back of the only cross-conference clash of the opening round, where they salvaged a dramatic late point in a 2-2 draw at Seattle Sounders.
Dean Smith's side twice fought from behind, with Adilson Malanda netting in the 35th minute between a Jordan Morris brace, before an own goal by Yeimar Gomez Andrade in the 92nd minute ensured they left with something to show for their efforts.
That result halted their three-match winning run, though those victories had come in pre-season, and they now sit fifth in the Eastern Conference and 10th in the overall standings.
CLTFC, looking to secure their maiden win of the campaign, can take inspiration from their opening home fixture of last season, when they defeated New York City.
However, a peculiar trend looms over this fixture, as the last four meetings have ended in victories for the away side – two apiece – the most recent being Charlotte's 1-0 defeat in September 2024.
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Atlanta were one of only four teams in the Eastern Conference to open their campaign with a win, edging CF Montreal 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
Emmanuel Latte Lath bagged a brace, only to see both leads wiped out, but an 85th-minute strike from Edwin Mosquera proved decisive, lifting Ronny Deila's side to third in the East and fifth overall.
The visitors will be eyeing back-to-back victories and could take confidence from their success at Charlotte, most notably a 3-0 triumph in 2023 – also their first away match of that season.
However, their first trip of 2024 ended differently, with a 1-0 defeat to Columbus Crew – a result the visitors will be keen to avoid as they seek to improve on their ninth-place finish in the Eastern Conference and 20th overall last term.
Team News
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Twenty-three-year-old attacker Brandon Cambridge and left-back Jahlane Forbes are expected to miss out for Charlotte as both continue their recoveries from thigh injuries.
Meanwhile, manager Smith could stick with Patrick Agyemang up front for a second consecutive match as he seeks his first goal of the season, while Malanda, fresh off his goal in the last outing, is expected to reunite with Andrew Privett at the heart of the defence.
For the visitors, Pedro Amador (hamstring), Brooks Lennon (shoulder) and Adyn Torres (knee) remain sidelined, while Derrick Williams (quad) is a doubt for Saturday's clash.
Lath is expected to spearhead the attack once more as he looks to build on his brace from the opening match, while Mosquera could push for a starting role following his impactful performance last time out.
Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:
Kahlina; Byrne, Malanda, Ream, Privett; Abada, Westwood, Bender; Vargas; Biel; Agyemang
Atlanta United possible starting lineup:
Guzan; Edwards, Gregersen, Abram, Hernandez; Slisz, Klich; Almiron, Miranchuk, Mosquera; Lath
We say: Charlotte FC 2-3 Atlanta United
With the recent trend in this fixture favouring the away team and momentum on their side, Atlanta are backed to claim their second win of the season, though Charlotte are expected to put up a strong fight in what promises to be a high-scoring contest.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
