Atlanta United vs Austin

Mercedes-Benz Stadium forms the backdrop for the first-ever Major League Soccer encounter between Atlanta United and Austin.

Atlanta United’s hopes of catching up with the Eastern Conference playoff territory do not look bright after a run of three winless MLS fixtures (D1, L2) saw them fall five points adrift of seventh-placed New England Revolution. But playing at home has been Atlanta’s primary source of joy this season, as 75% of their total MLS points have come at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (15/20). Yet, the ‘Five Stripes’ have only won one of their last three home league outings (D1, L1), all of which featured goals in both halves of play. Delivering action from the offset, 62.5% of Atlanta’s MLS home matches this season have seen the deadlock-breaker coming within the opening 15 minutes.

In the meantime, visiting Austin are fighting tooth and nail for the top spot in the Western Conference in only their second MLS season. Sitting two points adrift of table-topping Los Angeles, the visitors come into this matchday having won three of their last four league games (D1), each via a single-goal margin. It’s worth noting that no side from the Western Conference has picked up more away points this season than Austin (19), with the ‘Oaks’ going unbeaten in 70% of their MLS travels to date (W6, D1, L3). So it may come as a slight surprise that they boast a +1 goal difference on the road (GF:16, GA:15).