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The MLS returns to the fold with another set of matches this weekend as Atlanta United lock horns with Columbus Crew on Saturday. Both teams have been inconsistent this season and have a point to prove this weekend.
Columbus Crew are in seventh place in the MLS Eastern Conference standings this season and have endured a slump in recent weeks. The Crew suffered a 4-2 defeat against DC United last week and will want to bounce back in this game.
Atlanta United, on the other hand, are currently in 11th place in the league table and have not been at their best this year. The away side held CF Montreal to a 2-2 draw last week and will want to go a step further in this fixture.
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Head-to-Head
Columbus Crew and Atlanta United are on an even footing as far as the head-to-head record is concerned and have won five games apiece out of a total of 10 matches played between the two teams.
The previous edition of this fixture took place last month and ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Columbus Crew. Atlanta United gave their opponents a good fight on the day but will need to be more clinical this weekend.
Columbus Crew form guide in MLS 2021: L-L-W-D-W
Atlanta United form guide in MLS 2021: D-L-L-D-L
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Team News
Columbus Crew
Artur, Milton Valenzuela, Perry Kitchen, and Voot Wormgoor are injured and will not be able to feature against Atlanta United. Josh Williams is also carrying a knock and might not be included in the squad.
Injured: Artur, Milton Valenzuela, Voot Wormgoor, Perry Kitchen
Doubtful: Josh Williams
Suspended: None
Atlanta United
Mohammed Adams, Franco Ibarra, and Emerson Hyndman are recuperating from injuries at the moment and will be unable to feature in this game. Josef Martinez was sent off against Columbus Crew and is suspended for this fixture.
Injured: Mohammed Adams, Franco Ibarra, Emerson Hyndman
Doubtful: Jake Mulraney
Suspended: Josef Martinez
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Predicted XI
Columbus Crew Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Eloy Room; Waylon Francis, Jonathan Mensah, Aboubacar Keita, Harrison Afful; Alexandru Matan, Darlington Nagbe; Lucas Zelarayan, Luis Diaz, Pedro Santos; Gyasi Zardes
Atlanta United Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Bradley Guzan; Miles Robinson, Anton Walkes, Alan Franco, Brooks Lennon; Amar Sedjic, Santiago Sosa; Erik Lopez, Ezequiel Barco, Marcelino Moreno; Erick Torres
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Prediction
Columbus Crew have struggled in recent weeks and have a point to prove this weekend. The Crew have conceded eight goals in their last two goals and have a few defensive issues to solve going into this game.
Atlanta United, on the other hand, are winless in their last 12 games and cannot afford another setback this weekend. Columbus Crew are the better team on paper and should be able to take all three points away from this fixture.
Prediction: Columbus Crew 2-0 Atlanta United
