Major League Soccer 2023-24: New York City vs Atlanta United, Predicted Lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

A dominant Atlanta United take on a faltering New York City in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Major League Soccer dishes up a heavyweight Eastern Conference showdown this weekend, with New York City FC entertaining Atlanta United at Yankee Stadium.

While New York City has struggled for consistency throughout the early stages of the campaign, only two sides in the entire league have picked up more points than Atlanta this season. New York City's record of two wins, two draws, and two losses in 2023 tells you everything you need to know about the team's patchy start to the season.

After taking one point from their opening two games, the 2021 MLS Cup champions secured victories over Inter Miami and DC United, but they have managed to take just one point from a possible six since then. Ultimately, the Boys in Blue have struggled to find the back of the net this year, while only three sides in the Eastern Conference have scored fewer goals than NYCFC's six.

As for Atlanta United, they have lost just one of their six matches this term, picking up four wins and one draw to remain within one point of FC Cincinnati at the Eastern Conference summit. The Five Stripes kicked off their campaign with a run of three victories in four outings, securing an eye-catching 5-1 triumph over the Portland Timbers after winning 3-0 at Charlotte FC.

Having netted 13 goals across their six matches this season, Atlanta is the second-highest scorer in the Eastern Conference, but they also have the fourth-worst defensive record.

Kick-Off:

Sunday, 9th April, 5:00(AM)(IST)

Saturday, 8th April, 11:30PM(GMT)

Atlanta United Form (All Competitions)- W-D-W-W-L-W

New York City Form (All Competitions)- L-D-W-W-L-D

Players to Watch Out

Brian Cufre (New York City)

His variety in positioning reflects good game intelligence and ability to fulfil tasks in a match, as well as being capable of changing his position in-game and playing in different positions. Brian Cufré has played some matches as a central midfielder and playing in this position has helped him to improve his handling speed and read the game better.

This also allows him to play in more central positions at times to create even more variety. He is also very active in transition and is able to get into good positions often because of this. The Argentinian defender is very active in trying to get into space to receive the ball in the build-up and is very much capable of linking up with his teammates in tight spaces.

Thiago Almada (Atlanta United)

The MLS Player of the Month and Atlanta United's starboy has performed at an MVP-caliber level to start the season. Even after missing Atlanta United's last match because of the international break, the 21-year-old still leads MLS in goal contributions (8) and shot involvements (36).

During the break, Almada continued his excellent run of form, scoring his first career goal for Argentina. He returns from international duty to help the 5-Stripes earn a result at home.

Match Facts

• New York City FC hasn't lost any of its last six matches against Atlanta United (W4 D2, including playoffs). The only team to record a longer unbeaten run against Atlanta in MLS play was the Red Bulls (9 straight), a streak Atlanta ended last Saturday with a 1—0 win.
• New York City FC is winless on the road (D2 L2) but has won both of its home games this season and, going back to last season, has won six straight home games in all competitions. NYCFC has just one longer home winning streak in all competitions, a seven-game run from November 2017 to June 2018.
• Atlanta United has equalled the best start in club history with 13 points through six matches, tying its total through the first six matches of its MLS Cup-winning 2018 season. Atlanta is one of four teams to score in every match this season and has found the net in 17 of its last 18 games.

Injury and Team News

New York City FC have reported no injury problems ahead of this weekend, meaning that head coach Nick Cushing has a full-strength squad at his disposal.

Atlanta United midfielder Osvaldo Alonso remains sidelined with an ACL injury, while Andrew Gutman is also absent due to an adductor issue. Meanwhile, there are question marks over the availability of centre-back Luis Abram, as the Peruvian has not featured since returning from international duty.

Head-to-Head Stats

Matches - 13

New York City - 5

Atalanta - 4

Draws - 4

Predicted Lineup

New York City Predicted Lineup(4-2-3-1):

Barraza; Ilenic, Martins, Chanot, Cufre; Parks, Sands; Pellegrini, Rodriguez, Pereira; Magno

Atlanta United Predicted Lineup(4-2-3-1):

Guzan; Lennon, Robinson, Sanchez, Wiley; Sejdic, Ibarra; Araujo, Almada, Etienne; Giakoumakis

Prediction-

It is worth pointing out, however, that New York City boasts a 100% record on home soil this season, so they will be hopeful of notching a third successive victory at Yankee Stadium. We expect free-scoring Atlanta United to end NYCFC's 100% home record by notching a fifth victory in seven outings.

Prediction - New York City 0-2 Atalanta United

Telecast

India: Apple TV

UK: Apple TV

USA: Apple TV

Nigeria: None