Two teams looking to bounce back from defeats will go head-to-head as FC Cincinnati welcome Atlanta United to TQL Stadium for their latest MLS fixture on Saturday.
Cincy are on the verge of three consecutive losses across all competitions, while the visitors are without a win in their last three matches.
Match preview
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Cincinnati's struggles on the road were evident once again as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Charlotte FC last time out, conceding twice in the early stages of the second half.
Their away woes are not confined to the MLS, having also suffered a 3-1 loss at Tigres UANL in the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 tie, resulting in a 4-2 aggregate exit from the competition.
Currently sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference with six points, Pat Noonan's side have claimed both their league victories at home, and that should give them confidence in halting their losing streak as they return to TQL Stadium this weekend.
Cincy remain unbeaten at home this season, winning two and drawing two of their four matches across all competitions – however, both draws came in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Despite their strong home form, Cincinnati have historically struggled against Atlanta on their own turf, winning just one of six encounters (D3, L2), though their sole victory came in their most recent home clash with the Five Stripes – a 1-0 triumph in May last year.
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Since an entertaining 3-2 victory over CF Montreal in their opening MLS fixture, Atlanta United have struggled for form, suffering two defeats either side of a goalless draw.
Ronny Deila's men have found goals hard to come by in recent outings, failing to score in a 2-0 defeat to Charlotte and their stalemate with New York Red Bulls, and although they ended their goal drought by taking the lead against Inter Miami last time out, they ultimately succumbed to a 2-1 loss.
It has been a tough start to the campaign for Atlanta, who sit 12th in the Eastern Conference with just four points, but their position could worsen as they head into another tricky away fixture, given their poor form on the road.
The Five Stripes have lost their last two MLS away matches, dating back to last season, and have suffered three defeats in their last four trips.
Having lost both meetings with Cincinnati in 2023 – the first time they had suffered back-to-back defeats in this fixture – Atlanta are now at risk of losing three successive matches against their hosts for the first time in history.
Team News
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Cincy will remain without Matt Miazga, who continues his recovery from a long-term injury with no confirmed return date.
Meanwhile, Alec Edgar has yet to feature in the MLS this season due to a hip problem, but he could earn his first appearance this season on Saturday.
Kevin Denkey has joined Togo on international duty, while Stefan Chirila has teamed up with the Romanian U18 side.
Gilberto Flores is suspended after receiving a second yellow card in the defeat to Charlotte and will serve a one-match ban – however, Amir Daley could return to the squad after recovering from a broken collarbone.
For Atlanta, Ronald Hernandez and Jamal Thiare are both sidelined with quadriceps injuries, and will miss this match.
Mateusz Klich is also struggling with a quad issue, but he remains a doubt rather than a confirmed absentee, meaning he could still be available for selection.
The visitors have a number of players away on international duty, including Luis Abram, who is with the Peru team and Miguel Almiron, who is with Paraguay.
Luke Brennan and Noah Cobb are with the USA U20, while Ajani Fortune (Trinidad & Tobago), Stian Gregersen (Norway), Efrain Morales (Bolivia) and Bartosz Slisz (Poland) also away on international duty.
FC Cincinnati possible starting lineup:
Celentano; Engel, Hadebe, Robinson,Yedlin; Bucha, Nwobodo; Evander, Kubo, Orellano; Baird
Atlanta United possible starting lineup:
Guzan; Lennon, Edwards, Williams, Amador; Slisz, Mosquera; Silva, Miranchuk, Lobzhanidze; Latte Lath
We say: FC Cincinnati 2-0 Atlanta United
The two sides met in a pre-season friendly back in February, playing out a 2-2 draw – however, much has changed since then, and the momentum now appears to be with Cincy given their strong home form this season, which is why we think they will secure a third successive MLS victory over Atlanta.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
