In-form FC Cincinnati will be looking to extend their winning streak when they host Atlanta United at TQL Stadium on Thursday for matchday 13 of the 2023-24 Major League Soccer season.
The home side heads into this weekend's clash on a run of four consecutive wins, while the visitors have not registered a victory in their last six league matches.
Match preview
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FC Cincinnati secured a 2-1 victory against Columbus Crew in Sunday's encounter at MAPFRE Stadium, in what was their fourth successive win in the league.
Both sides struggled to find the net until Pat Noonan's men took the lead in the 74th minute with Kevin Kelsey's first goal in only his second appearance for the Orange and Blue since joining the club in April.
Two minutes later, Cincinnati doubled their lead as Luciano Acosta scored his fourth goal in as many matches and they held on for the win despite conceding a goal in the 89th minute.
With 24 points from 12 matches, the Knifey Lions sit second in the Eastern Conference standings, three points behind leaders Inter Miami who have played one more game.
However, Thursday's hosts have not been able to replicate their away form in front of their home fans, picking up just eight points from a possible 15 on home soil so far. They have also struggled in this particular fixture, losing twice and drawing three times in five encounters.
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Atlanta's poor league run continued as they fell 3-2 to DC United at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, extending their winless streak to six matches.
The Five Stripes remain in 10th place with 12 points, just five points above the Eastern Conference's bottom side, New England Revolution.
Atlanta will be hoping to end their away struggles, as this has been the major source of their poor performance so far this season. While they have performed well at home, Gonzalo Pineda's side are yet to secure a single victory on the road.
The disparity in their home and away performances is particularly evident in front of goal, with the visitors having scored 15 goals in seven home games compared to just four goals in four away games.
Team News
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FC Cincinnati's Aaron Boupendza is ruled out as he is set to miss a third straight game with a jaw problem.
Yamil Asad is also sidelined with a hamstring injury, while DeAndre Yedlin, who missed the last game due to a hip problem, remains questionable for this clash.
The visitors will be without Derrick Williams due to a calf issue, while Jamal Thiare is also set to sit out again with a hamstring injury.
Another confirmed absentee is Tyler Wolff who has a knee problem, while Stian Gregersen suffered a concussion and has to sit out due to protocol.
FC Cincinnati possible starting lineup:
Celentano; Murphy, Miazga, Robinson; Orellano, Bucha, Nwobodo, Powell; Acosta, Kubo, Baird
Atlanta United possible starting lineup:
Guzan; Lennon, Abram, Cobb, Wiley; Slisz, Muyumba; Lobzhanidze, Almada, Mosquera; Giakoumakis
We say: FC Cincinnati 3-1 Atlanta United
Cincinnati are in scintillating form at the moment and will feel it is the right time to get their first ever home win over Atlanta, who struggle on the road. We expect the home side to win this one.
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