Atlanta United will aim to build on their recent breakthrough when they welcome Orlando City to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a Major League Soccer clash this midweek.
After finally ending a frustrating run without victory, the hosts will be eager to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this season, while the Lions are chasing a fourth success in five matches.
Match preview
© Imago
Atlanta's triumph last time out was a long-awaited relief, snapping an eight-game winless stretch that had seen them draw three and lose five.
Their 4-2 victory over FC Cincinnati featured goals from four different players, with Derrick Williams and Ajani Fortune giving them a commanding first-half lead before Bartosz Slisz's decisive strike and Jamal Thiare's late finish sealed the contest.
So far this 2025 regular season, Atlanta have gathered 13 points from 15 games, placing them 12th in the Eastern Conference, seven points shy of a wildcard spot, while also sitting 24th in the Supporters' Shield race.
Their three wins have come in fits and starts, with the Stripes unable to build on an opening day success against CF Montreal, the second arriving five games later against New York City, followed by their most recent eight-game drought.
However, Atlanta have managed to find the net in bursts, with 11 of their 18 goals coming in their three victories, while defensive frailties have cost them dearly, having conceded 26 goals – the third most in their conference.
All their wins have come on home soil, accounting for just one third of their league games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium – a trend Ronny Deila will be determined to capitalise on as he looks to sharpen his team's form at the ground.
There is reason for encouragement considering Atlanta recorded a victory in the latest encounter against Orlando on their own turf by 2-0 in March last year, even though the most recent meeting ended in a 3-0 loss for the Five Stripes in Florida.
© Imago
Meanwhile, the visitors have turned their season around impressively, bouncing back from a shaky start that saw them lose two of their first three matches to now boast a 12-game unbeaten streak in the league.
While six of those outings ended in draws, the Lions have shown a more attacking edge lately, with their 1-0 victory over Portland Timbers last time marking their third consecutive win.
Oscar Pareja's side have accumulated 27 points from 15 games, placing them fourth in the East and sixth in the overall Supporters' Shield standings, thanks to a balance of solid defence and attacking prowess.
Their resilience at the back is notable, having conceded only 16 goals – the second fewest in the conference – while Orlando's tally of 27 scored is bettered only by Philadelphia Union in their conference.
This defensive strength was evident in their most recent away game, a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Inter Miami, which marked the Lions's fourth consecutive clean sheet on the road.
- W
- D
- W
- W
- L
- W
Team News
© Imago
Having finished the previous encounter unscathed, Atlanta head coach Deila could opt to repeat the same 3-5-2 formation, though Thiare is in contention for a starting berth in attack after making an impact off the bench.
The 32-year-old Senegalese replaced Latte Lath, who leads the team's scoring chart this season with five goals, so his chances of walking straight into the lineup are not high.
Meanwhile, Stian Gregersen (quadriceps), Brooks Lennon (hamstring) and Tristan Muyumba (knee) are expected to remain sidelined with injuries.
As for the visitors, Nico Rodriguez remains out with a thigh problem, while Gustavo Caraballo (lower leg) is doubtful, though the sixteen-year-old right winger is not expected to start.
Martin Ojeda is the team's top scorer in the league with eight goals but did not feature from the off last time out, and it could remain that way if manager Pareja decides to stick with the 4-4-2 formation from the victory against Portland.
That setup saw Duncan McGuire, who scored the decider, and former Atalanta forward Luis Muriel pairing in a two-man attack.
Atlanta United possible starting lineup:
Guzan; Edwards, Williams, Abram; Lobjanidze, Miranchuk, Slisz, Fortune, Amador; Latte Lath, Almiron
Orlando City possible starting lineup:
Gallese; Freeman, Schlegel, Jansson, Brekalo; Pasalic, Atuesta, Araujo, Angulo; McGuire, Muriel
We say: Atlanta United 0-2 Orlando City
While Atlanta enter this encounter buoyed by momentum from their previous victory, they face a side in fine form, and the fact that the hosts lost their previous two home games without finding the net could see old struggles resurface, particularly against a team that has been defensively compact on the road.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
