The major leagues may have broken for the international break but there is one match in the MLS on Tuesday night which sees the two expansion sides meeting for the second time when Atlanta United host Minnesota United.
These two sides met right back at the beginning of the season when Atlanta won 6-1 on a snowy afternoon and in recent times they have kicked on. Minnesota have struggled more but could get some revenge for that heavy loss here.
Atlanta United
The run of wins for Atlanta United came to a grinding halt in New England on Saturday but a draw meant that they are now eight matches unbeaten. That run has seen them secure their play-off spot and a win here would move them up into second place in the table which would give them a first round bye if they can stay there.
Much of the attention is focused around the Atlanta attack as a key reason for their success but they have kept six clean sheets in their last seven matches. That has almost gone unnoticed given the quality that they likes of Josef Martinez, Miguel Almiron and Tito Villalba have been displaying but really Atlanta are looking good at both ends of the pitch.
Minnesota United
The other expansion side have had a more up and down campaign. They have picked up some really good wins and then they have had matches that they have really struggled in. You kind of expect that from a new side in the league and to be fair their season would not be criticised too much were it not being compared to Atlanta’s.
The Loons have not found goals hard to come by this season but in 30 games they have shipped 61 goals and that is clearly an issue that needs to be worked on going into the next campaign. Such a poor trot at the back means they can no longer make the play-offs so it is all about playing for pride for them.
Team News
Atlanta United were going to be without Miguel Almiron due to injury but international call ups will deprive them of Josef Martinez and Brad Guzan. Alec Cann is out too so Kyle Reynish is likely to be between the sticks with Kenwyne Jones potentially Martinez’s replacement up front.
Minnesota United had their own injury problems and international duty will rob them of Michael Boxall, Kevin Molino, Francisco Calvo and Johan Venegas. Adrian Heath may be forced to look to the future here.
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Betting
Had this match been on Saturday I’d have had absolutely no issues with backing Atlanta United but the absences of Guzan and Martinez are significant enough to make them look every bit the short price they are.
Minnesota are without a whole heap of players for this one as well so they are even harder to judge which makes the best way of playing this one to sit and watch it rather than bet. That is what I’m going to do.
Tips
No Bet
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