Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
In this MLS regular season matchup, DC United will face off against Atlanta United in the early hours of Sunday, July 6, at 1:30 a.m. Central European Time. Here’s our betting preview for the game.
DC United vs Atlanta United: match facts and head-to-head
- DC United have lost their last three matches and managed just one win in their previous six.
- Atlanta United have also lost their last three games and have just two victories in their last ten outings.
- DC United have conceded at least one goal in seven consecutive matches.
- Atlanta United have gone 16 matches without keeping a clean sheet.
- DC United have the weakest attack in the MLS Eastern Conference — just 17 goals scored.
- DC United also have the worst defense in the conference, conceding 39 goals, while Atlanta United have the second-worst record with 37 goals against.
- Atlanta United have not won a single game to nil this season and have lost 37% of their fixtures.
- DC United have scored in both halves in just 9% of their matches this season, compared to 21% for Atlanta.
- Their previous meeting ended with a DC United victory on penalties — 4:3.
DC United vs Atlanta United: match preview
Both teams compete in the MLS Eastern Conference and both are going through tough times. DC United and Atlanta United are languishing near the bottom of the standings, separated by just a single point.
DC United have lost their last three matches and have picked up only one win in their previous six. In every one of those games, they conceded at least once. Offensively, they have the weakest output in the conference — only 17 goals scored. Their defensive woes are just as glaring — 39 conceded. They currently have 18 goals after 20 rounds. They are ten points adrift of the playoff zone, and making up that gap will be a tall order.
Atlanta United are also struggling near the foot of the table, sitting even below DC United. After 19 matches, they have collected 17 points, trailing their rivals by one. However, Atlanta have a game in hand, so in terms of points dropped, they’re slightly ahead. Like DC, Atlanta have lost their last three matches and have only two wins in their last ten games. Defensive frailties are strikingly similar — 37 goals conceded, the second-worst in the conference. They’re 11 points off ninth place.
Probable lineups
- DC United: Barraza; Tubbs, Bartlett, Rowles; Entle, Hopkins, Yenov, Schneg; Badji, Benteke, Kijima
- Atlanta United: Guzan; Lennon, Edwards, Morales, Abram, Cobb; Miranchuk, Slisch, Klich; Almirón, Latta Lat
Prediction
This is a clash between two strugglers, both plagued by defensive issues, but both desperate for a win to keep their playoff dreams alive. My tip: over 2.5 goals in the match at odds of 1.7.
