Atlanta United vs New York Red Bulls: Match Preview

Atlanta United’s 2020 has been full of strange, never-seen before results, but they could see one go in their favor this weekend. The Five Stripes host the New York Red Bulls, which boasts a 4W-1T-0L record over the good guys in regular season play. Now, though, would be the time for Atlanta to jump out of that hole and pick up it’s first win over New Jersey York.

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It’s been just over a month since Chris Armas was sacked at the tail end of a 3-game winless run and, surprise surprise, the Red Bulls did not become immediate Supporters’ Shield contenders. Instead, it remains where it has been most of the season, hovering around the playoff line. New York, like Atlanta, has failed to find much consistency throughout the season with it’s longest winning streak tallying up to just two games. The Red Bulls seemed to have turned a corner midway through September, registering 4-1 wins over Miami and Montreal. That feeling of hope was short-lived, though, as Orlando snapped that winning run Saturday before Miami got it’s revenge Wednesday. Now it’s hold on a playoff spot is a bit looser and the chasing pack a bit closer to New York’s heels.

One team in said pack is Atlanta United, which currently occupies 8th in the Eastern Conference. Separated from both 7th and 11th by two points, a fourth-consecutive playoff spot is far from set in stone. A win Saturday, though, would see it jump New York and perhaps look towards an automatic playoff spot. Marcelino Moreno’s potential debut will certainly be a boost, and I for one am excited to see what the talented Designated Player can provide to a team that admittedly needs all the help it can get.

Predicted Starting XIs

Prediction: Atlanta United 2-1 New York Red Bulls

This one could go either way, but I’ll stick with a 2-1 win for Atlanta. The Five Stripes should have enough to overcome New York thanks to a brace from Jon Gallagher and continue it’s steady climb up the standings.