Atlanta United are set to host Cruz Azul in the final group stage match day of the 2023 Leagues Cup on July 29, with the winner advancing alongside Inter Miami to the knockout stage.
The Herons and Lionel Messi have already booked their place in the round of 32, and will now have a nice break before resuming play in the competition. However, the top two teams can advance to the next stage, meaning the loser goes home in the MLS vs. Liga MX clash.
Atlanta United opened up their Leagues Cup campaign by taking a 4-0 thumping against Miami, with Messi and Robert Taylor scoring twice while Thiago Almada missed a late penalty. Cruz Azul deserved more in their 2-1 loss to Miami, as they dominated the game and created plenty of chances, but Messi had the final say.
Both sides' coaches could be playing for their jobs, so this encounter is shaping up to be an interesting contest given what's already at stake.
Where to watch Cruz Azul vs. Atlanta United on TV/live stream?
When is kick-off? 7:00 PM EST
Where is the game being played? Mercedes-Benz Stadium
TV channel/live stream? MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, TUDN, Univision
What time does TV coverage start? 6:30 PM EST
Cruz Azul team news
The Liga MX side are still without two players - Juan Escobar and Carlos Vargas. Escobar has been dealing with a muscle injury and is on track to return in early August, while Vargas has suffered a ruptured crucriate ligament in his right knee and will miss the rest of the 2023 season.
As Vargas and Escobar are primarily center-backs/full-backs, Ignacio Rivero and Jesus Escoboza will get chances under head coach Ricardo Ferretti.
If Cruz Azul fail to win against Atlanta, Ferretti may end up losing his post as head coach. It wouldn't be a surprise, though, given that his team are last place in Liga MX after three games played with zero points.
Atlanta United team news
The only injury concern for the Five Stripes seems to be Machop Chol, who didn't feature against Miami and was subbed off in Atlanta's 2-1 home defeat to Orlando City due to an ankle injury. Atlanta has plenty of attacking options in his absence with the likes of Tyler Wolff, Derrick Etienne Jr. and Edwin Mosquera.
While head coach Gonzalo Pineda's situation isn't as dire as Ferretti's, his seat has gradually warmed up as the season has continued. Atlanta have struggled to string together wins on a consistent basis, and Pineda could be shown the door if things aren't turned around after the summer transfer window, which closes on August 2.
Cruz Azul vs Atlanta United score prediction
Atlanta United tend to play well at home, and they will look to start fast against Cruz Azul. With nearly all of their players available, they should create plenty of chances up front. But the same can be said for Cruz Azul, as they created a host of chances against Inter Miami and deserved more than one goal. They now will come up against one of the worst defenses in MLS and should have enough good looks at goal.
Cruz Azul will probably come out firing with their coach's job on the line and steal a victory in Mercedes-Benz Stadium to advance to the knockout stage.
Prediction: Cruz Azul 2-1 Atlanta United
Sign up now for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV to watch all the action from the 2023 Major League Soccer season.
The Lionel Messi era is officially underway - watch live as history unfolds with MLS Season Pass. Click here to subscribe!
This article was originally published on 90min as Cruz Azul vs. Atlanta United - Leagues Cup preview: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction.