FC Cincinnati travel down south to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on Atlanta United in a pivotal Eastern Conference showdown on August 30.
Cincinnati will be looking to further extend their lead in the Supporters' Shield race, as they currently sit in first place of the Eastern Conference table with 54 points, 11 points ahead of second-placed Philadelphia Union.
On the other hand, Atlanta have been inconsistent for most of 2023 but still remain in a solid posititon for the postseason. Gonzalo Pineda's side are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference table with 41 points, and are looking to make up ground and chase down the likes of Columbus Crew, Orlando City and New England Revolution.
The Five Stripes have dominated the previous 10 meetings, as they've came out on top on five separate occasions with the Orange and Blue tasting victory just once. The two sides were unable to be separated in four draws, and it appears that another draw could be on the cards in this one...
Where is Atlanta United vs FC Cincinnati happening?
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Date: 30 August 2023
- Kick-off time: 19:30 EST / 16:00 PT / 00:30* BST (31 August 2023)
Atlanta United vs FC Cincinnati H2H record ( Last Three Games )
- Atlanta United: 1 win
- FC Cincinnati: 0 wins
- Draws: 2
- Last Meeting: FC Cincinnati 2-2 Atlanta United (MLS) - 13 August 2022
Where to watch Atlanta United vs FC Cincinnati on TV and live stream
Atlanta United team news
Thiago Almada was in fine form yet again for his side, dishing out two assists and scoring as well to bring his 2023 totals to nine goals and 12 assists.
Forward Jamal Thiare is still unavailable for selection for Pineda as the club are still working to sort out his work Visa, while midfielder Osvaldo 'Ozzie' Alonso also misses out due to a leg injury and should be back in action around mid-September.
As winger Xande Silva, who notched one goal and assist vs Nashville, and midfielder Tristan Muyumba have already become key figures in the starting lineup, winger Saba Lobjanidze will look to do the same after scoring on his debut for the Five Stripes.
Atlanta United predicted lineup vs FC Cincinnati
Atlanta United predicted lineup vs FC Cincinnati ( 4-2-3-1 ): Guzan; Lennon, Robinson, Abram, Wiley; Muyumba, Rossetto; Lobjanidze, Almada, Silva; Giakoumakis.
FC Cincinnati team news
The visitors will be without key figures Dominique Badji and Yerson Mosquera, as the former is dealing with a muscle injury while the latter is recovering from a leg injury. Both players should be back in the mix in mid-September.
Head coach Pat Noonan will want to depend on Lucho Acosta and Brandon Vazquez to keep his hot streak going, as the attacking players continue to inspire stunning goals for Cincy.
Atlanta United vs FC Cincinnati score prediction
Atlanta will be confident heading into this one after back-to-back strong performances that ended in clean sheet wins, and rightfully so, as they've looked like an entirely different team with some of their summer signings integrated as well as being rested following their Leagues Cup exit at the group stage.
Cincy, fresh off a 3-0 triumph over NYCFC, will also be looking to get extend their lead atop the Supporters' Shield and Eastern Conference standings after narrowly falling to Inter Miami and Lionel Messi in the US Open Cup semi-final.
At Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Five Stripes are a tough side to beat, but Cincy will look to expose their inconsistent defense with the likes of MVP candidate Luciano Acosta, Brandon Vazquez, and Aaron Boupendza up front.
Prediction: Atlanta United 2-2 FC Cincinnati
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This article was originally published on 90min as Atlanta United vs FC Cincinnati - MLS preview: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction .