Atlanta United vs LAFC: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

LAFC hit the road to face struggling Atlanta United this weekend in MLS at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

May hasn’t been too kind to the Five Stripes, with the Eastern Conference club last winning a championship game in late March. Gonzalo Pineda’s team has endured eight straight games without a win, including four home defeats that saw Atlanta drop to 13th in the East with 13 points.

LAFC, however, managed to turn their season around somewhat with three wins in their last four league matches. With victories against the Vancouver Whitecaps and St Louis CITY, the Black and Gold climbed to fifth place in the Western Conference with 21 points collected in 13 matches played.

Here is 90 minutesAtlanta United vs. LAFC preview.

Last meeting: LAFC 0-0 Atlanta United (June 7, 2023) – MLS

Current form (all competitions)

Atlanta boss Gonzalo Pineda may have to do without star midfielder Thiago Almada. The 2022 World Cup winner injured his calf during Atlanta’s 1-0 loss to FC Cincinnati, and is unlikely to be fit enough for a return this week.

Greek international Giorgos Giakoumakis is also likely to miss the match as he suffers a hamstring injury. Tyler Wolff and Derrick Williams are also doubtful for the game due to their respective knee and calf injuries.

Atlanta United predicted lineup vs. LAFC (4-2-3-1): Guzan; Lennon, Gregersen, Cobb, Wiley; Slisz, Muyumba; Lobjanidze, Firmino, Silva; Rios.

LAFC predicted lineup against Atlanta United (4-3-3) ): Lloris; Palencia, Murillo, Long, Campos; Tillman, Sánchez, Atuesta; Olivera, Bogusz, Bouanga.

Full-back Ryan Hollingshead is expected to miss the match with a neck injury, while David Martinez and Lorenzo Dellavalle will also miss out with back and knee problems, respectively.

One player to watch in this one is LAFC’s Malik Tillman. Not only has the USMNT midfielder had a great season so far, but he has also racked up four yellow cards so far in the season, meaning he is just one card away yellow from receiving a one-match suspension in MLS.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium was once a fortress for Atlanta United. But that has changed significantly in recent weeks and Atlanta will have their backs against the wall against an in-form LAFC team.

Although LAFC concedes the majority of possession to the hosts, their ability to be efficient and clinical on the counterattack is what will help them secure three points on the road. Atlanta missing two of their best players doesn’t help either, as they will continue to fall in the Eastern Conference standings with another championship loss.

Prediction: Atlanta United 0-2 LAFC