Atlanta United will be looking to extend their winning run to three games when they host FC Cincinnati at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday evening.
As a result of their impressive form since the restart, the hosts are now up to fourth in the Eastern Conference of the MLS, but they face a very tough test on Wednesday against the side currently top of the table.
Match preview
© Reuters
Atlanta were in bad form before the MLS' month-long break, losing their final two matches in July, and they continued to struggle in the Leagues Cup, losing 4-0 at Inter Miami in their opening group-stage game, with Lionel Messi bagging a brace.
The Five Stripes were then dumped out of the Leagues Cup in the group stages, losing against Cruz Azul on penalties, meaning they had not been in action for three weeks prior to the MLS resuming, but they have managed to hit the ground running.
In their first match, Gonzalo Pineda's side ran out 2-0 winners away at Seattle Sounders, with Georgios Giakoumakis scoring twice, and they have since followed that solid performance up with a dominant victory at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Last time out, Atlanta United recorded a 4-0 victory at home against Nashville SC, having scored four goals in a game for just the second time this season, and they are now up to sixth place.
The Five Stripes are sitting comfortably in the playoff places, but they are still 13 points behind top-of-the-table FC Cincinnati, who have been a dominant force in the MLS so far this season.
© Reuters
Indeed, Cincinnati have been fantastic in the MLS this season, having picked up 54 points in 25 games, which leaves them 11 points clear at the top of the table, with a third of the season left to play.
The Orange and Blue have their stellar home record to thank for their success, having won 12 and drawn one of their matches at the TQL Stadium, but they have been a little more susceptible to defeats on the road, having conceded more goals than they have scored.
While the MLS season was on pause, Pat Noonan's side also competed in the Leagues Cup, progressing through their group after defeating Sporting Kansas City and Guadalajara, but they crashed out at the round of 32 stage against Nashville SC.
Cincinnati were also knocked out of the US Open Cup, falling short against Inter Miami on penalties in the semi-final, but they have since responded with a victory, defeating New York City 3-0 at the TQL Stadium last time out.
Team News
© Reuters
Atlanta United have won their first two games since the season restarted without conceding a goal, so there is no real reason for Pineda to tinker with a winning formula, considering his side do not have any fresh injury concerns.
As such, the Five Stripes could field an unchanged side, but the manager may have a selection dilemma at left-wing, as Saba Lobjanidze scored his first goal for the club after replacing Xande Silva last time out.
As for Cincinnati, the only player sidelined with injury is striker Dominique Badji, who has been absent for the last nine games, with Brandon Vazquez and Aaron Boupendza instead poised to lead the line.
Luciano Acosta is likely to be the danger man for Noonan's side, having already amassed 12 goals and 10 assists in the MLS this season, the highest number of goal contributions in the league.
Atlanta United possible starting lineup:
Guzan; Lennon, Robinson, Abram, Wiley; Muyumba, Rossetto, Mosquera, Almada, Silva; Giakoumakis
FC Cincinnati possible starting lineup:
Celentano; Hagglund, Miazga, Murphy; Arias, Kubo, Moreno, Halsey, Acosta; Boupendza, Vazquez
We say: Atlanta United 1-1 FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati have been one of the best teams in the country so far this season, but they have been a little more suspect in some of their away matches, losing 3-0 at Columbus Crew in their last match on the road.
Considering Atlanta United are in good form, winning their last two MLS games, we think Wednesday's game could end up finishing as a draw.
How to watch
You can watch Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati and every MLS match this season live on Apple TV. Click here for more details on how to subscribe.For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Dominic Lund
