Atlanta United vs. Austin FC Match Analysis and Prediction

Atlanta United will line up against the visiting side Austin FC this Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the 19th game week of the Major League Soccer. Match day schedules for July 10 2022 at 02:00 EAT.

The hosts who finished fifth in the Eastern Conference last season have failed to live up to their lofty expectations, sitting five points back of a playoff spots (11th) with 20 points after 17 matches they have played. The Five Stripes have been one of the best at maintaining possession with strong build-up play and creativity, leading the league in key passes (188), although they have often looked vulnerable on the counter, conceding multiple goals in nine domestic contests this season.

Atlanta United will be hoping for better results following 2-2 MLS stalemate with New York City FC in their last encounter. In that game, Atlanta United had 50% possession, 13 shots with eight of them on target and goals scored by Josef Martínez (56′) and Dom Dwyer (86′). New York City FC got 13 shots with three of them on target and goals by Valentín Castellanos (37′, 58′).

Meanwhile Austin FC who finished second from the bottom of the Western Conference last season is currently the second in the table with 34 points; two points shy of Los Angeles FC at the top. Austin FC lost one of their five regular-season encounters this year in which they trailed by multiple goals, though they were able to chip away at their deficit a lot sooner on Monday, tallying in the opening half (twice) for the first time since May 18.

The Verde and Black head into this clash in high spirits after 2-3 MLS success over Colorado Rapids in their last outing. In that game, Austin FC had 56% possession, nine shots with five of them on target and goals scored by Ethan Finlay (28′), Sebastián Driussi (45′) and Maxi Urruti (59′). Colorado Rapids got 15 shots with two of them on target and goals by Lalas Abubakar (19′) and Jonathan Lewis (22′).

Atlanta United vs. Austin FC head to head

Sunday’s fixture will mark the first head to head encounter between Atlanta United and Austin FC.

Here their last five encounters;

Home

• New York City 2-2 Atlanta
• New York 2-1 Atlanta
• Toronto 2-1 Atlanta
• Atlanta 2-0 Miami
• Atlanta 3-2 Pachuca

Away

• Colorado 2-3 Austin
• Charlotte 0-1 Austin
• Austin 2-2 Dallas
• Montreal 0-1 Austin
• Austin 1-4 Pachuca

Atlanta United team news

Atlanta will remain without Brad Guzan, Osvaldo Alonso,Dylan Castanheira, Miles Robinson and Brooks Lennon who are recuperating from injuries.

Austin FC team news

Josh Wolff will not be able to call upon Freddy Kleemann, Jhojan Valencia, Julio Cascante and Jhohan Romana through injuries while Kipp Keller is out on suspension.

Prediction and odds

There’s clear difference in the quality between these two sides at the moment; Austin FC won all their last four MLS meeting while Atlanta United has won only once.

• Austin FC Win
• Goals over 2.5
• Both teams to score