FC Cincinnati will aim to draw level on points with Inter Miami at the top of MLS Eastern Conference when they face Atlanta United on Wednesday.
FC Cincinnati enter their upcoming match against Atlanta United with a surge of momentum, having secured victory in their last four consecutive outings. Under the guidance of coach Pat Noonan, the team showcased resilience in their recent triumph against Columbus Crew, clinching a hard-fought 2-1 win despite conceding a late goal.
Key contributions from players like Kevin Kelsy and Luciano Acosta underscored the team’s depth and ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities, highlighting their growing confidence and cohesion on the field. However, despite their impressive form on the road, FC Cincinnati has struggled to replicate their success at home.
With just eight points garnered from a possible 15 in front of their home fans, the team faces a challenge in translating their away success to performances at TQL Stadium. Additionally, FC Cincinnati’s history against Atlanta United has been less than favourable, with two losses and three draws in their previous encounters.
Overcoming their home struggles and securing a crucial win against Atlanta will be imperative for FC Cincinnati to maintain their upward trajectory in the Eastern Conference standings. On the flip side, Atlanta United finds themselves in a rut, with a winless streak of six matches weighing heavily on their morale.
Despite boasting a strong record at home, manager Gonzalo Pineda’s side has faltered on the road, failing to secure a single victory away from home this season. The team’s offensive prowess has been particularly lacking in away fixtures, with a significant disparity in goals scored between home and away matches.
As they prepare to face FC Cincinnati, Atlanta will be eager to reverse their fortunes and secure a much-needed victory to climb the Eastern Conference standings and reignite their campaign. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
FC Cincinnati
Cincinnati will have to navigate their upcoming match against Atlanta United without the services of Aaron Boupendza, who continues to be sidelined due to a jaw problem, extending his absence to a third consecutive game. The striker’s absence presents a challenge for the hosts, depriving them of his goal-scoring prowess and attacking threat.
Adding to FC Cincinnati’s injury woes, Yamil Asad remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, further depleting the team’s attacking options. More so, the availability of DeAndre Yedlin for the upcoming clash remains uncertain, with the defender’s status still in question due to a hip problem.
Cincinnati are likely to deploy in a 3-4-3 formation, with Roman Celentano in goal as the last line of defence. He should be protected by the back three of Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga and Ian Murphy.
Obinna Nwobodo and Pavel Bucha will form the central midfield duo, with Luca Orellano and Alvas Powell providing the width on the flanks. Luciano Acosta should don the number 10’s role, with Yuya Kubo and Corey Baird running behind the Atlanta defence.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Celentano; Murphy, Miazga, Robinson; Orellano, Bucha, Nwobodo, Powell; Acosta, Kubo, Baird
Atlanta United
Atlanta United will face FC Cincinnati without the services of Derrick Williams, who is sidelined due to a calf issue, depriving the visitors of defensive stability and experience. Williams’s absence poses a challenge for Atlanta’s backline, requiring other players to step up and fill the void in defense.
Joining Williams on the sidelines is Jamal Thiare, who continues to be sidelined with a hamstring injury. Additionally, Tyler Wolff is sidelined with a knee problem. Finally, Stian Gregersen will also be unavailable for selection due to concussion protocol.
The visitors are likely to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Brad Guzan in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Brooks Lennon, Noah Cobb, Luis Abram, and Caleb Wiley. Tristan Muyumba and Bartosz Slisz should form the double pivot, freeing up Saba Lobzhanidze, Thiago Almada, and Edwin Mosquera to push forward. Giorgos Giakoumakis should lead the line on the day.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Guzan; Lennon, Cobb, Abram, Wiley; Muyumba, Slisz; Lobzhanidze, Almada, Mosquera; Giakoumakis
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
- FC Cincinnati have won seven games in MLS this season, a tally that is more than any other side in the competition bar Inter Miami.
- FC Cincinnati have conceded just ten goals this season, the least of any side in MLS.
- Atlanta United are 10th in the Eastern Conference but have scored one more goal than FC Cincinnati so far.
- FC Cincinnati have not won their last five games against Atlanta United, losing two and drawing the remaining three matches.
- Atlanta United are yet to win a single away game in MLS this season.
Player to Watch
Luciano Acosta
The 29-year-old should be the focal point of the Cincinnati attack and will once again aim to make a difference for the home side. Acosta scored 17 seconds into FC Cincinnati’s 1-0 win over Orlando earlier this season, the quickest goal ever scored in MLS history.
With six goals and assists apiece in 12 MLS games this season, he is the standout attacker for the Cincinnati side. If they are keen to end their hoodoo against Atlanta, they will need their star attacker to be at his top form.
Prediction
FC Cincinnati 2-1 Atlanta United
Cincinnati are just three points off the top of the Eastern Conference and will hope to keep without striking distance of Inter Miami. Not only are the home side in good form. But Atlanta United are renown for their poor form away from home this season. The time is ripe for Cincinnati to secure their first ever home win over the Georgia based side.
