Atlanta United managed to avoid defeat in their consecutive away games against Chicago and Orlando, which was a positive outcome. However, the team’s underlying weaknesses were evident in both matches, and a couple of fortunate bounces could have easily resulted in losses instead of draws. Nevertheless, Atlanta has somehow remained near the top of the Eastern Conference and has the opportunity to solidify their position with a home game against a New England Revolution side that has been plagued by injuries.
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The New England Revolution currently occupies the third position in the Eastern Conference with 25 points. However, they were tied for first place just a few weeks ago. Cincinnati, with 33 points, and Nashville, with 28 points, have now surpassed them. Bruce Arena’s team started the season strongly with six victories in their first nine matches but have only managed one win in their last six games and have gone four matches without a win.
Despite their recent dip in form, Atlanta United still sits in a respectable fifth place with 23 points, with only Nashville and Philadelphia surpassing their point tally. They currently hold a three-point advantage over the seventh-placed team.
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Atlanta have won five times, losing three, with three draws against New England. However, the latter have won three of the last four matches, while Atlanta are yet to earn three points since 2019.
Atlanta United vs New England Revolution match preview
Fifth placed Atlanta United and third-placed New England Revolution are separated by only two points in the Eastern Conference. Now, they prepare to face off at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a midweek MLS match.
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In their most recent game, Atlanta salvaged a 1-1 draw against Orlando City with a late goal, while New England staged a comeback from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against the Chicago Fire.
After a three-match losing streak since late April and early May, Atlanta United have shown signs of returning to their early-season form, gathering five points from their last three matches to solidify their position in the top seven.
In their previous outings, Atlanta thrashed the Colorado Rapids 4-0 and played out an exciting 3-3 draw against the Chicago Fire before their recent draw with Orlando. These results have propelled Gonzalo Pineda’s team into a three-game unbeaten streak heading into the midweek fixtures.
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Furthermore, Atlanta United have excelled on their home turf, winning five out of seven league matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with only one defeat. They have also been prolific in front of goal, scoring 16 times at home this season. This places them for the best offensive record in the entire league.
Former Celtic striker Georgios Giakoumakis has been in fine form, scoring eight goals in 11 MLS appearances, while Argentine playmaker Thiago Almada has contributed six goals and seven assists. Thus, Atlanta are one of the most potent teams in the division.
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New England faced a challenging situation when they fell behind 2-0 after 22 minutes in their last match, but showed resilience and fought back to secure a draw. They prevented Chicago Fire from becoming the first MLS team to win at Gillette Stadium this season.
The Revs had an impressive start to the season, losing just one of their first 11 league matches and recording seven wins. However, their performance has dropped in recent weeks, earning only one point from their last three games. They suffered losses to Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union before a draw against Chicago. Hence, they will be determined to return to winning ways and close the gap on FC Cincinnati and Nashville SC, who are above them in the standings.
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While New England boasts one of the best defensive records in the Eastern Conference, they need to improve their away form if they want to contend for silverware this season. They have lost three of their last six away matches under Bruce Arena’s management.
Atlanta United possible starting lineup:
Guzan; Hernandez, Robinson, Sanchez, Gutman; Rossetto, Sosa; Lennon, Almada, Etienne; Giakoumakis
New England Revolution possible starting lineup:
Petrovic; Farrell, Romney, Makoun; Jones, Polster, Buck, Boateng; Blessing; Vrioni, Wood
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Atlanta United vs New England Revolution prediction
Considering the outcomes of previous matches between the two sides, fans can expect an exciting contest at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. However, their past records and current form place both sides on level pegging, which means the match could end in a low-scoring draw.
Prediction: Atlanta 1-1 New England
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Date, kick-off time, venue
Atlanta United FC will go head-to-head with New England Revolution in their MSL match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium stadium in Atlanta city on May 31 at 23:00 UTC.
