Atlanta United vs Real Salt Lake

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the venue as Atlanta United and Real Salt Lake go head-to-head in a high-stakes Major League Soccer showdown.

Atlanta United have suffered a massive dip in form since a 2-0 home triumph over Inter Miami in mid-June, going winless in their last four MLS fixtures (D1, L3). Atlanta’s sticky patch has left them six points adrift of the Eastern Conference playoff line, highlighting the importance of securing a win here. There’s a reason for optimism in the home camp, as the ‘Five Stripes’ have won three of their previous three MLS meetings with Salt Lake (L1). However, an underwhelming 3-0 defeat to Austin last time out made it one victory in four home league outings for underperforming Atlanta (D1, L2). A lack of defensive stability saw Gonzalo Pineda’s side concede 2+ goals in all three matches they failed to win during that four-game sequence.

On the other hand, Real Salt Lake squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Colorado Rapids last time out, extending their winless league streak to three matches (D2, L1). After winning just one of their last five MLS fixtures (D2, L2), the ‘Claret and Cobalt’ have slipped nine points behind the Western Conference leaders Los Angeles. More importantly, they’ve allowed seventh-placed Seattle Sounders to reduce the gap to only four points, meaning they can ill-afford another slip-up if they are to qualify for the MLS Cup playoffs. However, Pablo Mastroeni’s lads have lost three of their four previous away league games (W1), casting doubt on their ability to perform on the road.