Atlanta United will face the Philadelphia Union at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Saturday in a Major League Soccer (MLS) matchup, showcasing two teams at different points in their seasons.
Atlanta United, currently struggling at the bottom of the standings, sits third from last with just 11 points and only two wins at home. Their recent form has been particularly challenging, as they are winless in their last seven league appearances. In their most recent match, they managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Austin FC with a last-minute equalizer. This reflects a difficult season for the Five Stripes, who are only four points above the last-placed CF Montreal.
Conversely, the Philadelphia Union arrive in Atlanta riding a wave of momentum, holding the second position in the Eastern Conference with 26 points, and are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions, achieving five victories in that span. Their recent match against LA Galaxy ended in a thrilling 3-2 win, highlighted by a dramatic last-minute goal from Tai Baribo, who is now leading the team with ten goals this season.
For fans looking to catch the match, it will be broadcast live on Apple TV in the US, with live updates available on various platforms. The kick-off is set for 7:30 PM ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
In terms of team news, Atlanta will be without their leading scorer Emmanuel Latte Lath due to suspension, and several key players including Stian Gregersen, Derrick Williams, and Tristan Muyumba are also sidelined with injuries. This leaves the team vulnerable and reliant on depth players.
On the other hand, Philadelphia Union will miss a few players due to injuries, including Neil Pierre, Andre Blake, and Ian Glavinovich. However, their offensive strength remains intact as they have scored 26 goals this season and have a strong historical record against Atlanta, winning four of their last eleven encounters.
This match presents a critical opportunity for both teams; for Atlanta, it is a chance to turn their season around, while Philadelphia seeks to maintain their strong form and continue climbing the standings. This game is sure to be an exciting spectacle for MLS fans.