Match Preview: Atlanta United vs New York Red Bulls

Round two against the Red Bulls. Can the Five Stripes strike back?

Atlanta United will face off against the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in an MLS game kicking off at 7:38 PM. The match represents one of four remaining home games the Five Stripes have left, and thus a crucial three points to keep playoff hopes alive.

Red Bulls (10-7-8) are fourth in the East with 37 points in 25 games. They have the second-best away record in the league (7-3-3) including five wins against Eastern Conference opponents. They have the fourth highest total expected goals in the East at 36.1 compared to fifth-highest Atlanta with 34.8. In shot-creating actions per 90, the Red Bulls are 12th with 20 while Atlanta leads the league with 25.17. Despite this, Atlanta's 2.17 goal-creating actions per 90 are less than NYRB's 2.28 - a product of Atlanta's bad luck when it comes to finishing. The players to watch for the Red Bulls are Lewis Morgan (10 goals, 3 assists), Luquinhas (5 goals, 3 assists), Patryk Klimala (4 goals, 3 assists), and Tom Barlow (4 goals).

Atlanta United has yet to defeat the Red Bulls in an MLS regular season match, holding an all-time record of 0-4-8 against them. When Atlanta is at home, their record is 0-2-4.

Atlanta United Predicted XI

New York Red Bulls Predicted XI

How does Atlanta win?

Red Bulls press and they press hard. Atlanta will need to break through that press and try to overwhelm them on the counterattack like they did earlier this season at Red Bull Arena. Atlanta also needs to try to get the game going quickly as they did against FC Cincinnati. If they can dictate the play, create good chances, and get shots off, they'll be more likely to score first and find themselves in a potentially better position.