Atlanta United vs Charlotte FC Predictions for this MLS clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta United, fresh from defeating Inter Miami, host Charlotte FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday in MLS action. Read on for our free predictions and tips.
Major League Soccer | Gameweek 16 – Jun 2, 2024 at 9.45pm UK at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
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Atlanta United vs Charlotte FC Predictions
Atlanta United Aim to Overcome Home Woes Against Defensive Charlotte FC
Key Stats
– Atlanta United have lost their last four home matches.
– Charlotte FC have kept five clean sheets in their last six games.
– Thiago Almada has been involved in multiple goals for Atlanta this season.
Atlanta United are set to host Charlotte FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, returning to MLS action with newfound confidence after a stunning victory over Inter Miami. This win marked the end of a two-month spell without a league triumph, and now they aim to achieve back-to-back victories for the first time since March.
Current Form and Season Overview
Atlanta United Atlanta United ended their winless streak with an unexpected 3-1 victory over Inter Miami, a game that featured Lionel Messi. Prior to this, Gonzalo Pineda’s team had gone nine league games without a win, including five losses. Their last victory came against Chicago Fire in March, and they are eager to secure consecutive wins, something they haven’t managed in over two months.
Atlanta’s home form has been particularly troubling. Despite starting the season with three consecutive home wins, they have failed to win any of their last five matches at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, losing four of those. This downturn has been surprising, given their strong home performances in previous seasons, where they had an eight-match unbeaten run at home stretching back to the previous season.
Charlotte FC Charlotte FC arrive at Mercedes-Benz Stadium looking to halt their own winless streak, having failed to secure a victory in their last three MLS matches. Their recent form includes goalless draws against LA Galaxy and Philadelphia Union, followed by a 3-1 defeat to New York Red Bulls. This lack of goals has been a significant issue, with Charlotte struggling to find the net consistently.
Despite their troubles on the road, where they have lost five of their last six away games, Charlotte have shown resilience earlier in the season with an unbeaten run away from home. Dean Smith’s team will be motivated to exploit Atlanta’s shaky home form and get their season back on track.
Expected Lineups and Tactical Approaches
Atlanta United Starting Lineup
Guzan; Gregersen, Williams, Abram; Lennon, McCarty, Muyumba, Wiley; Lobjanidze, Thiaré, Almada
Charlotte FC Starting Lineup
Kahlina; Lindsey, Malanda, Privett, Byrne; Petkovic, Westwood, Diani; Abada, Agyemang, Vargas
Atlanta United Atlanta United are likely to build on their successful lineup from the midweek win. Saba Lobjanidze, who scored twice against Inter Miami, will be pivotal in attack alongside Thiago Almada and Jamal Thiaré. The midfield trio, including the experienced Liam McCarty, will be tasked with controlling the game, while the defence, marshalled by Brad Guzan, will aim to improve their shaky home record.
Charlotte FC Charlotte FC will rely heavily on their defensive setup, which has kept five clean sheets in their last six matches. Patrick Agyemang, their leading scorer, will spearhead the attack, supported by the likes of Kerwin Vargas and Enzo Copetti. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Ashley Westwood and Djibril Diani expected to play key roles in disrupting Atlanta’s rhythm.
Key Areas and Player Duels
The midfield battle will be a key area of focus in this match. Atlanta’s midfield, led by McCarty and Muyumba, will need to assert control against Charlotte’s robust midfield trio. The duel between Thiago Almada and Charlotte’s defenders will be another critical matchup. Almada’s creativity and goal-scoring ability will be crucial for Atlanta, while Charlotte’s defence, particularly Malanda and Privett, will need to be at their best to keep him at bay.
In attack, Saba Lobjanidze’s pace and finishing will test Charlotte’s defence, while Patrick Agyemang will look to exploit any defensive lapses from Atlanta. The battle between Atlanta’s full-backs and Charlotte’s wingers will also be pivotal in determining the flow of the game.
Gameplay Predictions
Given their respective forms, this match is likely to be tightly contested. Atlanta will aim to build on their recent victory and use their attacking prowess to break down Charlotte’s solid defence. Charlotte, on the other hand, will rely on their defensive organisation and look to hit Atlanta on the counter-attack.
Analysis of Team Strategies
Atlanta United’s Strategy Strengths:
- Strong attacking lineup with multiple goal-scoring threats.
- Recent boost in confidence after defeating Inter Miami.
- Home advantage, despite recent poor form.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent home performances, with a recent run of losses.
- Defensive vulnerabilities, particularly on counter-attacks.
Charlotte FC’s Strategy Strengths:
- Solid defensive record, with multiple clean sheets.
- Resilience and ability to grind out results.
- Effective on the counter-attack.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of goals in recent matches.
- Poor away form, with several losses on the road.
Managerial Analysis
Gonzalo Pineda’s ability to inspire and motivate his team will be crucial for Atlanta United. Despite the recent win, his tactics will be under scrutiny, especially in addressing their home form. Dean Smith of Charlotte FC has managed to organise his team’s defence effectively, but he needs to find a solution to their goal-scoring issues. His tactical approach will be vital in this matchup.
Betting Angles and Predictions
Best Bet: Draw Given the current form of both teams, a draw seems the most likely outcome. Atlanta’s recent home struggles combined with Charlotte’s solid defensive record suggest a closely fought contest with neither side likely to dominate.
Correct Score Prediction: Atlanta United 1-1 Charlotte FC Considering the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, a 1-1 draw appears to be a realistic prediction. Atlanta’s ability to score at home, coupled with Charlotte’s defensive resilience, supports this outcome.
Goalscorer Prediction: Thiago Almada to Score Thiago Almada has been a consistent performer for Atlanta United and scored in the recent win against Inter Miami. His creativity and goal-scoring ability make him a strong candidate to find the net again.
Team to Score First: Atlanta United Despite their inconsistent form, Atlanta have shown the capability to start strong, especially with players like Almada and Lobjanidze in form. They are likely to open the scoring at home.
Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target Over 4.5 Atlanta United’s average of 4.7 shots on target per game, combined with their attacking style, suggests they are likely to test Charlotte’s goalkeeper frequently. This market offers value given their offensive setup.
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