Matchmaking Tools: How Atlanta United Gets Positive Result Against Regional Rival Nashville SC

Atlanta United continues its road trip this weekend when the 5-Stripes travel to Nashville SC on Saturday afternoon. Atlanta looks to reverse its recent form with a big road win against a Nashville team that sits just two points behind Atlanta in the standings. This is a historically even match as the previous nine MLS meetings have resulted in a 3-3-3 record (WLT). Atlanta’s last victory in Nashville was in 2020, in Nashville’s inaugural game in front of a packed Nissan Stadium. The 5 bands will once again be cheered by a large group of supporters at GEODIS Park on Saturday. Let’s take a look at the match tools presented by Home Depot against Nashville SC.

Score early and control the pace of the match

All three of Atlanta’s wins this season came when the team scored first and took a halftime lead. That has to be the goal once again this weekend in Nashville. Atlanta’s attack has created chances in recent matches, but scoring hasn’t come as easily as it did earlier in the campaign. Despite only scoring three goals in the last four matches, the team’s xG stands at 6.57 in those competitions. If Atlanta can convert the chances they create and put pressure on Nashville at home, then the 5-Stripes have a good chance of coming back with points.

Find Hany Mukhtar in transition and be vigilant on set pieces

Nashville SC enters the game on Saturday following a 2-0 home win over Toronto FC in midweek. The team parted ways with longtime head coach Gary Smith and Rumba Munthali takes over on an interim basis. The team still has a lot of talent, especially on offense with former MVP Hany Mukhtar. The German attacking midfielder had huge success in the all-time series against Atlanta, scoring five goals and adding six assists in nine matches played. He will present a challenge to Atlanta’s midfield and backline.

Another area that Nashville has had success in the past is set pieces. Mukhtar’s quality delivery, coupled with players like Walker Zimmerman or Anibal Godoy, poses a challenge for any team from set pieces. Atlanta’s defense will need to be solid and make sure Nashville doesn’t score easy goals from set pieces.

Stay compact defensively and reduce space in midfield

As of Saturday, Atlanta’s defense continues to rank in the top 10 in goals conceded with just 15 this season. Atlanta’s defense must continue to stay compact and work together as a unit to prevent Nashville from opening up spaces in and around the box. The 5-cushions allowed just 55 shots on target by their opponents, which ranks them seventh in MLS this weekend. If they can limit Nashville’s scoring opportunities by making this compact and closing down the midfield, they will have a good chance of getting some points on the road this weekend.

Fans can tune in to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV and FOX Saturday afternoon at 1:45 p.m. ET when the action begins at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee. To hear the action on the radio, tune into Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).