Match Preview: Atlanta United hosts LAFC on Saturday night

Atlanta United and Los Angeles FC have only faced each other four times. Atlanta is 2-1-1 against Los Angeles. The last meeting between the two clubs ended in a goalless draw. Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan made several important saves throughout the final game to record his 50^th clean sheet with the club.

The draw against Nashville SC was seen as a positive step in the right direction for the 5-Stripes after a difficult period of play. Until this draw, they had lost their last three matches in MLS. LAFC has won four of its last five matches; two of these victories came in the Open Cup. Like Atlanta, LAFC also just played a midweek game. On Tuesday, they beat Loudoun United 3-0 to advance to the Cup quarterfinals.

Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United) – Five local Atlanta players have logged MLS minutes for the club – Caleb Wiley is one of those players. He has taken on a more defensive role this season as his responsibility within Atlanta’s backline has increased. Wiley can still move forward and push the offense when needed; his scoring touch was on full display when he scored a long-range goal against the Philadelphia Union earlier this season.

Timothy Tillman (LAFC)) – Los Angeles’ midfield is a strong point of their team. German Timothy Tillman is a big part of that solid structure on both sides of the ball. He has played 13 matches this season and has 4 goals and 4 assists.