Prediction: Atlanta United vs Philadelphia Union

Verdict: Philadelphia Union double chance

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Two sides who are leading the chase to punch another play-off ticket, Atlanta will welcome Philadelphia to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday night.

Atlanta United

Starting with the hosts, while Atlanta might have entered the international break with an eye-catching 3-1 victory against DC United, the Five Stripes have largely failed to build on that performance. Last seen putting in a nightmare display as they slumped to a 4-0 drumming at the hands of New York Red Bulls, Gonzalo Pineda’s men have now recorded just a single win from any of their last seven domestic appearances – a run that stems all the way back to a 4-0 victory against Colorado on May 17th. Gaining a recent reputation as a stalemate specialist after settling for a single point in five of their last seven MLS showdowns, Atlanta have also shown some recent issues at the back. Including a remarkable 3-3 draw at home against New England last month, Pineda’s men have recorded just a pair of domestic clean sheets since the start of April.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term ankle issue and not making a single appearance since the end of March, Atlanta will once again be without Erik Lopez on Sunday night. Likewise, the Five Stripes are also still sweating over the fitness of 24-year-old Santiago Sosa this weekend.

While attacking talisman Georgios Giakoumakis might have drawn a blank on his return from June’s international break last week, the Greek international will spearhead Pineda’s attack here.

Philadelphia Union

As for the visitors, putting in another stellar display last week as they breezed their way to a 4-1 romp at home against Inter Miami, Philadelphia are enjoying a domestic flurry. Despite heading into the international break with a close-fought 2-1 loss against San Jose, that is the only defeat that Jim Curtin’s men have suffered from their previous nine appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to their US Open Cup defeat at the hands of Minnesota on May 9th. Opening June with a thumping 3-0 victory against Montreal, the Union have quickly gained a reputation for their free-scoring displays in the final third. Along with notching six strikes in their back-to-back MLS showdowns since return from the fortnight interval, Philadelphia have notched 34 MLS goals so far this season. Despite being tipped as an underdog pick here, Curtin’s men should be smelling the chance to spring an upset.

Team News

Once again finding the net against Inter Miami last week and already notching 10 MLS strikes this season, Julian Carranza will spearhead Philadelphia’s attack on Sunday night. The 23-year-old will be joined in the final third by former Brondby striker Michael Uhre at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Cementing his spot as Curtin’s number-one choice after returning from the international break, ex-Toronto keeper Joe Bendik will start between the sticks this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• Philadelphia are unbeaten in each of their last six meetings against Atlanta across all competitions – a run that stems back to October 2019.
• Including a 4-1 victory against Inter Miami last week, the Union have lost just one of their previous nine appearances.
• Hit with a 4-0 drumming against New York Red Bulls last week, Atlanta have won just one of their last seven domestic showdowns.
• Likewise, Sunday’s hosts have won just a pair of their last six contests at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Philadelphia striker Julian Carranza has notched seven goals in his last nine domestic appearances.

Conclusion

Storming their way to a stellar 4-1 romp against Inter Miami last week, Philadelphia have only continued to impress on either side of the international break. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their last nine appearances, the Union have also gained a reputation for their success in the final third. Looking to make another statement this weekend, Sunday’s guests should also be excited by an eye-catching record against an inconsistent Atlanta. Unbeaten in each of their last six straight showdowns – a run that stems back to October 2019 – we are expecting an away double chance at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Verdict: Philadelphia Union double chance

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Dachbet