Atlanta United travel north to take on FC Cincinnati on MLS Matchday 38's Decision Day on October 21 at TQL Stadium.
Since Cincinnati secured the 2023 Supporters' Shield earlier this season, they could rest a few key players ahead of MLS Cup playoffs. However, in Atlanta United's case, they will look to jump from sixth (50 points from 33 games played) to fifth place in the Eastern Conference table with a win over Cincy and a New England Revolution loss or draw (depending on goal difference).
The reverse fixture saw Atlanta go in front in the first half only for the Cincinnati to score two unanswered to take three points from Mercedes Benz Stadium in late August. MLS MVP candidate Lucho Acosta saved the day for Pat Noonan's side with a late strike to add to his stellar campaign.
What time does FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew kick-off?
- Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Stadium: TQL Stadium
- Date: Saturday 21 October
- Kick-off Time: 18:00 ET / 15:00 PT / 11:00 BST
- Referee: Joe Dickerson
FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United H2H record
- FC Cincinnati: 2 wins
- Atlanta United: 5 wins
- Draws: 4
Last meeting: Atlanta United 1-2 FC Cincinnati (30 August 2023 - MLS)
How to watch FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United on TV channel and live stream
Atlanta United team news
Machop Chol will the rest of the season that features the playoffs after undergoing surgery to repair a hamstring tendon injury. A thigh injury sees Tyler Wolff miss out against the Orange and Blue, while Ozzie Alonso is questionable with a leg injury.
Atlanta United predicted lineup vs FC Cincinnati
Atlanta United predicted lineup vs FC Cincinnati (4-2-3-1): Guzan; Lennon, Robinson, Abram, Wiley; Muyumba, Rossetto; Lobjanidze, Almada, Silva; Giakoumakis.
FC Cincinnati team news
Arquimides Ordonez's leg injury will keep him sidelined for this contest, and he's expected to return to the mix later this month.
FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United score prediction
Given that Cincinnati don't have too much to be playing for, Noonan could opt to rest some of his key players and give younger, inexperienced players some valuable minutes against a solid Atlanta side.
Atlanta, on the other hand, will more than likely go full strength and aim for a fifth place finish in the Eastern Conference table and head coach Gonzao Pineda will call on players such as Thiago Almada and Xande Silva to lead the way.
Cincinnati will deploy their back-three, making it difficult for the Five Stripes and will earn a draw on the final day of the regular season.
Prediction: FC Cincinnati 1-1 Atlanta United
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This article was originally published on 90min as FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United - MLS preview: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction.
