By Braden Chalker
LAFC hit the road to take on the struggling Atlanta United this weekend in MLS action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The month of May hasn't been too kind for the Five Stripes with the Eastern Conference club last winning a league match in late March. Gonzalo Pineda's side have endured eight straight matches without a win -- including four defeats at home that has seen Atlanta sink to 13th place in the East with 13 points.
LAFC, however, have managed to somewhat turn their season around with three wins from their last four league contests. With victories over the likes of Vancouver Whitecaps and St Louis CITY, the Black and Gold have climbed into fifth place in the Western Conference with 21 points collected from 13 matches played.
Here's 90min's preview of Atlanta United vs LAFC.
What time does Atlanta United vs LAFC kick-off?
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Stadium: Mercedez-Benz Stadium
- Date: Saturday 25 May (United States) / Sunday 26 May (United Kingdom)
- Kick-off Time: 19:30 ET / 16:30 PT / 00:30 BST (Sunday)
Atlanta United vs LAFC H2H record (Last Four Games)
- Atlanta United: 2 wins
- LAFC 1 win
- Draws: 1
Last meeting: LAFC 0-0 Atlanta United (7 June 2023) - MLS
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch Atlanta United vs LAFC on TV and live stream
Atlanta United team news
Atlanta boss Gonzalo Pineda might have to make do without star midfielder Thiago Almada. The 2022 World Cup winner sustained a calf injury in Atlanta's 1-0 defeat at FC Cincinnati, and he's unlikely to be fit enough for a return this week.
Greece international Giorgos Giakoumakis is also likely to miss the match as he's dealing with a hamstring injury. Tyler Wolff and Derrick Williams are also doubts for the match with their respective knee and calf injuries.
Atlanta United predicted lineup vs LAFC
Atlanta United predicted lineup vs LAFC ( 4-2-3-1 ): Guzan; Lennon, Gregersen, Cobb, Wiley; Slisz, Muyumba; Lobjanidze, Firmino, Silva; Rios.
LAFC team news
LAFC predicted lineup vs Atlanta United
LAFC predicted lineup vs Atlanta United ( 4-3-3 ): Lloris; Palencia, Murillo, Long, Campos; Tillman, Sanchez, Atuesta; Olivera, Bogusz, Bouanga.
Full-back Ryan Hollingshead is set to miss the match with a neck injury, while David Martinez and Lorenzo Dellavalle also miss out with back and knee problems, respectively.
A player to keep your eye on in this one is LAFC's Malik Tillman. Not only has the USMNT midfielder enjoyed and excellent season thus far, but he's also accumulated four yellow cards up to this point in the season -- meaning he's just one yellow card away from receiving a one-game MLS suspension.
Atlanta United vs LAFC score prediction
Mercedes-Benz Stadium used to be a fortress for Atlanta United. But that's changed significantly in recent weeks and Atlanta will have their backs against the wall against an in-form LAFC side.
Although LAFC will concede the majority of possession to the hosts, their ability to be effective and clinical on the counter-attack is what will help them claim three points on the road. Atlanta missing two of their best players doesn't help either, as they'll continue to sink down the Eastern Conference table with another league defeat.
Prediction: Atlanta United 0-2 LAFC
This article was originally published on 90min.com as Atlanta United vs LAFC: Preview, predictions and lineups.
