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Atlanta United and Orlando City step on the same field for the second week in a row to battle for positioning in the Eastern conference standings. After Tito Villalba stole three points in Florida with an 86th minute wonderstrike, the Five Stripes sit in fourth four points above Orlando, who sit just below the red playoff line.
While it’s a little bit of a stretch to say that this late July match is hugely important, there’s no denying it could have a big affect on the current day table. If Atlanta can make it two in a row over their Southern “pals” they would extend the gap to seven points, but if they lose it would be down to one. No playoff spots will be won or lost in this, but bragging rights, pride and confidence could all shift in these 90 minutes.
Tata Martino’s side will once again be without their joint leading scorer as Josef Martinez has officially been ruled out with a right foot contusion. While Atlanta are without an elite MLS striker, Orlando has gained one since last Friday. They’ve acquired U.S. international Dom Dwyer from Sporting Kansas City in a record traded earlier in the week. Will we see his debut at Bobby Dodd Stadium? Will the two-headed strike partnership of Dwyer and Cyle Larin be unveiled?
Again, it’s only July, but this match just has that big match feel to it. It’s possibly the last time Atlanta United will ever play a match at Bobby Dodd Stadium (you never know what could happen with friendlies or cup matches in the future), hopefully they go out in style. It should be a fun one.
Lineups
Atlanta United’s lineup:
#ATLUTD’s starting XI for today’s match against @orlandocitysc pic.twitter.com/kbdJ8Hy92X
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) July 29, 2017
Orlando City’s lineup:
The boys battling for our City today. #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/Rz7xY6bftQ
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 29, 2017
How to Watch
Venue: Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Kickoff Time: 5:00 p.m. ET (TV coverage begins at 4:30)
Available TV: FOX
Available Streaming: FOX Sports Go, fuboTV (free trial)
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game (available via official ATLUTD mobile app)
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