Following two victories and a draw in their previous three league games, Atlanta United currently holds the lead in the Eastern Conference standings with seven points. They are second overall, two points behind table leaders St. Louis City SC. If they are able to defeat the visitors by the weekend, Brad Guzan and co. might ascend to the summit.
Two of the Five Stripes’ top scorers from the previous season have left the team. Ronaldo Cisneros, who scored seven goals, was recalled from loan by parent club Guadalajara after scoring nine goals for Inter Miami. Thiago Almada and Juan José Purata, both of whom scored six goals, stayed put.
With a 1-0 victory over Sporting KC in their season opener, Portland Timbers had an incredible start. However, they were disappointed when they lost to Los Angeles FC and St. Louis City SC in their subsequent games. As they travel to Atlanta, the 2015 MLS Cup winners will be haunted by the possibility of a third defeat in a row.
Prediction
Gonzalo Pineda, the team’s coach, will want to see his team keep up their momentum against Portland. Thiago Almada has scored two goals and provided two assists since opening his account.
Coach Giovanni Savarese will try to avoid a tumultuous situation at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as resources are already stretched thin.
Atlanta Joined are supposed to win in view of their structure and home benefit.
Prediction: Portland beat Atlanta United 3-1.
Head-to-Head
- In their last five matches against Portland, Atlanta United has won twice, drawn twice, and lost once.
- In their last five games, Atlanta United has conceded seven goals and scored 11 goals.
- In their last five home games, Atlanta United has won twice, drawn twice, and lost once.
- In their last five road games, Portland has lost twice, drawn once, and won once.
- In their last five games, Atlanta United has won three times, drawn once, and lost once. In contrast, Portland’s last five matches have resulted in two victories, one draw, and two defeats.
Lineup
| Portland Timbers | ||
| G | 31 | Aljaž Ivačič |
| D | 13 | Dario Župarić |
| D | 25 | Bill Tuiloma |
| D | 5 | Claudio Bravo |
| D | 18 | Zac McGraw |
| A | 10 | Sebastián Blanco |
| M | 21 | Diego Chará |
| M | 22 | Cristhian Paredes |
| A | 30 | Santiago Moreno |
| M | 23 | Yimmi Chará |
| A | 27 | Dairon Asprilla |
| Atlanta United | ||
| G | 23 | Raúl Gudiño |
| D | 11 | Brooks Lennon |
| D | 15 | Andrew Gutman |
| D | 6 | Alan Franco |
| D | 22 | Juan Sánchez Purata |
| A | 26 | Caleb Wiley |
| M | 5 | Santiago Sosa |
| M | 8 | Thiago Almada |
| M | 14 | Franco Ibarra |
| A | 19 | Luiz Araújo |
| A | 29 | Ronaldo Cisneros |
Betting Tips
Result: Atlanta United will score more than 2.5 goals in the game. Yes. Portland will score. Yes.