A really good week of action in the MLS 2024 season concludes on Sunday evening when the last match of the latest round of fixtures takes place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium where Atlanta United play host to Charlotte FC.
These two teams have both had their troubles at different times this season but with three points available which can see them move up spots in the table it would be foolish anything but a competitive game. Once again the MLS Season pass on Apple TV or the bookmaker live streams will show the game.
Atlanta United
Just when Atlanta United needed to pull something out of the bag in Miami in midweek they found it within themselves to do exactly that and potentially save Gonzalo Pineda’s job with a 3-1 win, a win which probably should have been even more emphatic than it was. The task for the Five Stripes is now to convert the confidence of that win into one in front of their own fans, something which they haven’t managed to do in their last five at home.
Atlanta had gone nine matches without a win prior to that victory in Miami in midweek but to be fair to them, they have only conceded one goal in each of their last four games so they are starting to get things right at the back end of the pitch. They now need to build on their midweek showing going the other way but with Giorgos Giakoumakis getting a few minutes off the bench and Thiago Almada starting in Miami, key players might be returning at just the right time.
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Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC suffered a first defeat in six matches in midweek when they went down to the New York Red Bulls. That was also the first game in that time that they have conceded a goal but as I eluded to in midweek the schedule before then was pretty soft so they were flattered a little by that run. They weren’t terrible against the Red Bulls and it could have been so different had they not hit the post with a good chance early on but once that happened you sense their confidence went a little.
One concern for Charlotte which needs addressing at some point is that they are not the best travellers in the world. They are 1-1-5 from their seven away matches with the win at the Chicago Fire which isn’t the greatest form guide so if they are going to elevate themselves towards a possible home advantage in the postseason then that is something that needs to be improved. They have only scored five goals in those seven away games which isn’t useful.
Betting
Atlanta United haven’t shown the best form in recent times but they should have taken a lot of confidence from that midweek win in Miami and generally they are reliable at home. They haven’t been in recent games but they have had to do without Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis for a period of time and both of those are back which should really pep up their attacking play. They have Brad Guzan back between the sticks for this one as well.
Charlotte have to prove to me that they are the real deal. They were on a good run but there is no doubt that their schedule was kind to them but like so many teams in MLS they find winning on the road difficult, not helped by the lack of DP players on the roster after a close season change up under Dean Smith. This feels like a great chance for a talented Atlanta United side to get back to winning ways at home and I’m more than happy to take them on the money line here.
Tips
Back Atlanta United to beat Charlotte FC for a 3/10 stake at 1.87 with BetVictor
