DC United will be looking to solidify their place in the MLS playoffs when they take on Atlanta United at Audi Field on Wednesday evening.
Heading into the game, the hosts occupy ninth place in the table, 10 points behind the visitors, who are currently up in sixth.
Match preview
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DC United are still fighting for a place in the playoffs as we approach the back end of the MLS season, currently sitting in the last playoff spot, two points clear of 10th-placed Chicago Fire, who have a game in hand at their disposal.
The Black and Red have taken 35 points from their 29 games so far this season, but they have often struggled at Audi Field, having collected 20 points in 14 home matches, the fourth-worst record in the division.
However, that record has started to improve in recent times, with Wayne Rooney's side taking eight points from their last five home games, defeating Chicago Fire 4-0 at the beginning of the month courtesy of a Christian Benteke brace.
That victory was the start of a solid run from a defensive standpoint, with DC United keeping clean sheets in each of their last three games, but they have struggled on the front foot in their last two outings, drawing both games 0-0.
Last time out, the Black and Red drew 0-0 away at Charlotte FC, but they may feel they should have taken more from the game given that they had six shots on target, while their opponents recorded just two.
However, Rooney's side may find it difficult to extend their run of games without conceding a goal to four, as Atlanta United are the joint-second top scorers across both MLS Conferences this season, having scored 56 goals in 29 games.
Courtesy of their solid record in front of goal, Atlanta are comfortably inside the playoff places, having amassed a total of 45 points, which leaves them nine points clear of eighth-placed CF Montreal.
Gonzalo Pineda's side have continued to impress since the MLS season resumed in August, collecting 10 points from their last five games, with their only defeat coming against top-of-the-table FC Cincinnati, in what was a closely-contested game.
In their last outing, Atlanta United recorded a 5-2 victory at home against US Open Cup winners Inter Miami, who were without the services of Lionel Messi due to a muscle injury, and they are now tasked with following that performance up on the road.
Team News
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DC United will be without Mohanad Jeahze, with the defender missing due to a calf injury, while Tyler Miller and Martin Rodriguez are also sidelined with injury issues.
Given that the Black and Red have kept three clean sheets on the bounce, Rooney is unlikely to make any changes in defence, but Nigel Robertha could replace Jose Fajardo in attack, as the Panama international has not scored in his last four MLS games.
Atlanta United also have a couple of injury absentees, with Osvaldo Alonso and Jamal Thiare unable to play any part in Wednesday's match, meaning Pineda is likely to stick with the majority of the team that defeated Inter Miami last time out.
The only change Pineda may be tempted to make is at left-wing, as Tyler Wolff scored after being brought on as a substitute against Inter Miami, so the 20-year-old may be given the nod over Xande Silva.
DC United possible starting lineup:
Bono; Ruan, Hines-Ike, Pines, Davis; Canouse, Durkin, Klich, Pirani; Benteke, Farjado
Atlanta United possible starting lineup:
Guzan; Lennon, Robinson, Abram, Wiley; Muyumba, Rossetto, Mosquera, Almada, Wolff; Giakoumakis
We say: DC United 2-2 Atlanta United
DC United have drawn their last two matches 0-0, but they are unlikely to prevent Atlanta United from finding the back of the net, considering how impressive their opponents have been in front of goal this season.
That said, Rooney's side have looked solid since the MLS season has resumed, and we think they will be good enough to pick up a point on Wednesday.
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Top tip
Dominic Lund
