Atlanta United return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on Columbus Crew in a highly-anticipated MLS Matchday 37 clash on October 7.
The two Eastern Conference sides have already punched their tickets to the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs, and both teams have now shifted their focus on capturing a top-four finish in the division to ensure home field advantage.
Prior to Atlanta's road loss to Philadelphia, the Five Stripes had only lost one game in their league return after Leagues Cup. The lone loss came to Supporters' Shield champions FC Cincinnati, while Atlanta pulled off wins against Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders and Nashville SC during that stretch.
Columbus have lost just twice since their return to MLS action after falling short against Orlando City, who are second in the Eastern Conference table, and Houston Dynamo, the current US Open Cup champions. Even though they lost fan-favorite playmaker Lucas Zelarayan in the summer transfer window, the Crew haven't skipped a beat by experiencing victory in five out of their last nine contests.
What time does Atlanta United vs Columbus Crew kick-off?
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Date: Saturday 7 October
- Kick-off Time: 19:30 ET / 16:30 PT / 12:30 BST *8 October 2023
- Referee: Ismail Elfath
Atlanta United vs Columbus Crew H2H record
- Atlanta United: 6 wins
- Columbus Crew: 8 wins
- Draws: 1
- Last meeting: Columbus Crew 6-1 Atlanta United (25 March 2023 - MLS)
How to watch Atlanta United vs Columbus Crew on TV and live stream
Atlanta United team news
Machop Chol will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a hamstring tendon injury. Osvaldo 'Ozzie' Alonso will also miss the game with a leg injury, and his timetable to return to action is unknown.
Tyler Wolff wasn't in the squad against the Union due to a hip injury, and he'll miss out against the Crew.
It was announced earlier this week that Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis were both nominated for the MLS MVP award. Almada was also nominated for Young Player of the Year, while Giakoumakis was nominated for the Newcomer of the Year award.
Two more players were nominated for awards, as Miles Robinson and Brad Guzan were shortlisted for Comeback Player of the Year.
Atlanta United predicted lineup vs Colombus Crew
Atlanta United predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Guzan; Lennon, Robinson, Abram, Wiley; Muyumba, Fortune; Mosquera, Almada, Silva; Giakoumakis.
Columbus Crew team news
The Crew have no new fresh injury concerns which is music to head coach Wilfried Nancy's ears.
Juan 'Cucho' Hernandez was nominated for MLS MVP, and Patrick Schulte was shortlisted for Goalkeeper of the Year.
Atlanta United vs Columbus Crew score prediction
When playing at 'the Benz,' Atlanta are typically a different animal - they've lost just three games at home all season. However, Pineda's defense will have their hands full coming up against the deadly trio of Christian Ramirez, Diego Rossi and Hernandez, as well as a reunion with Julian Gressel and Darlington Nagbe, who both were key to Atlanta's 2018 MLS Cup triumph.
Both sides don't have the greatest of defenses, so there will be plenty of goals in this one, especially given how both teams want to approach the game. Almada will return to his usual self and propel Atlanta to a narrow victory to keep their top-four hopes alive.
Prediction: Atlanta United 3-2 Columbus Crew
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This article was originally published on 90min as Atlanta United vs Columbus Crew - MLS: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction .