Atlanta United vs. DC United Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 October 2025

As we head into the final round of the Major League Soccer season, all eyes turn to Mercedes-Benz Stadium where Atlanta United will host DC United. Both teams are languishing at the bottom of the table, with Atlanta sitting in 29th position on 27 points, just two ahead of DC United, who are rock bottom.

Given the recent form, a high-scoring game is expected, especially as both teams have been quite leaky at the back, conceding over 50 goals each this season. Key players Emmanuel Latte Lath for Atlanta and Christian Benteke for DC United will be crucial, as they’ve regularly found the net. The last encounter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium ended 3-2 in favour of DC United, further highlighting the potential for goals in this fixture.

Our match tip recommends betting on Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes. With both sides desperate for points and historically high-scoring matches, this seems a likely outcome.

Can Atlanta make home advantage count or will DC United end their season on a high? Stay tuned for what promises to be an entertaining encounter.

Atlanta United vs DC United Prediction & Betting Tip

With Atlanta United and DC United both battling to escape the basement of the league table, the stage is set for a tense and potentially goal-filled finale. Both sides have conceded over 50 goals this season, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. Key attackers, like Emmanuel Latte Lath for Atlanta and Christian Benteke for DC United, have been crucial in finding the net for their respective teams.

• Both sides have a tendency to concede goals, shown by their high goals-against stats.
• Key players on both teams have a solid record of scoring, with Latte Lath and Benteke leading the charge.
• The previous encounter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium saw a total of five goals, further indicating the likelihood of an open, high-scoring game.

Expect plenty of action at both ends of the pitch in what promises to be an entertaining battle.

Atlanta United vs DC United Odds

As we head into this eagerly anticipated clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the bookmakers have made Atlanta United the favourites, with odds of 1.85 for a home win. Despite their recent struggles, Atlanta’s slight home advantage and historical performances provide them with a marginal edge over DC United, who have odds of 3.58 for an away victory. A draw is seen as a less likely outcome, with odds set at 3.89.

Given both teams’ defensive frailties, bettors might also consider the "Both Teams to Score" market, which is highly recommended. With Atlanta and DC desperate for points and goals likely, these odds reflect a competitive, action-packed match.

Atlanta United Team Analysis

Atlanta United Recent Performance L-D-L-L-L

Atlanta United’s recent form hasn’t been encouraging, as indicated by their last five results: L-D-L-L-L. Their most recent outing was a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Inter Miami CF, following a narrow 1-0 loss to Los Angeles FC and a 2-0 defeat to New England Revolution. They managed a 1-1 draw against San Diego FC but also fell 4-5 in a high-scoring contest against Columbus Crew.

Despite averaging 1.00 goals per game in their last five, Atlanta’s defence remains a concern with zero clean sheets during this period. With home strengths and the attacking prowess of Emmanuel Latte Lath, there’s hope to reverse this trend.

This poor run has contributed to their lowly position of 29th in the league, making a strong performance in this final match crucial for morale and confidence heading into the off-season.

Atlanta United Key Players

For Atlanta United, the spotlight will undoubtedly fall on Emmanuel Latte Lath, the team’s top scorer with seven goals this season. His ability to find the net could be a defining factor in this crucial clash. Alongside him, Steven Alzate brings creativity and stability to the midfield, making him a player to watch.

The expected lineup for Atlanta United:

• Goalkeeper: Jayden Hibbert
• Defenders: Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj, Juan Berrocal
• Midfielders: Miguel Almirón, Bartosz Slisz, Alexey Miranchuk, Steven Alzate, Saba Lobjanidze
• Forwards: Emmanuel Latte Lath, Jamal Thiare

Key individual battles will feature Latte Lath against DC United’s centre-backs, most likely Lucas Bartlett and Kye Rowles. Additionally, the creativity of Almirón and Miranchuk will be vital in breaking down DC United’s defence.

This blend of experienced and influential players provides a solid foundation for Atlanta to exploit their home advantage in what promises to be a tactical and enthralling clash.

Atlanta United Suspensions & Injuries

Atlanta United will be missing several key players due to injuries, which could significantly impact their performance in this match.

• Ajani Fortune is out with a foot injury and is expected to return in late October 2025.
• Matthew Edwards and Will Reilly are both sidelined with hamstring injuries, also expected back in late October 2025.
• Nyk Sessock is dealing with an illness, with a potential return in about a week.
• Brooks Lennon has an Achilles tendon injury, keeping him out until late December 2025.

These absences weaken Atlanta’s options in both defence and midfield, making it crucial for the available players to step up and fill the gaps. The depth of the squad will be tested, particularly against a DC United side that is also desperate for points.

Atlanta United Tactics and Formation

Atlanta United Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Right center back: Stian Gregersen
• Central back: Enea Mihaj
• Left center back: Juan Berrocal
• Right midfielder: Miguel Almirón
• Right central midfielder: Bartosz Slisz
• Central midfielder: Alexey Miranchuk
• Left central midfielder: Steven Alzate
• Left midfielder: Saba Lobjanidze
• Right forward: Emmanuel Latte Lath
• Left forward: Jamal Thiare
• Key Forward: Emmanuel Latte Lath
• Midfield Duo: Steven Alzate and Bartosz Slisz
• Defensive Reality: Zero clean sheets in the last five games, vulnerability in defence
• Defensive Frailties: Conceded over 50 league goals this season
• Notable Strategy: Rely on Latte Lath and Thiare for rapid counter-attacks and exploit spaces behind DC’s defensive line

Ronny Deila’s men will aim to use their attacking talents, particularly through the wings, to create opportunities and maintain possession in the opponent’s half. The formation hopes to bolster midfield control while also providing ample support for the forward line.

DC United Team Analysis

DC United Recent Performance W-D-L-L-L

DC United’s recent form hasn’t been much better than their opponents, as shown by their last five results: W-D-L-L-L. They opened this stretch with a promising 2-1 win against New York City FC, but their fortunes quickly dwindled. A narrow 1-1 draw against Orlando City was followed by three consecutive defeats: 3-2 to Inter Miami CF, a heavy 6-0 loss to Philadelphia Union, and a 1-0 loss to Charlotte FC.

Despite scoring an average of 1.00 goals per game in their last five, DC United has also failed to keep any clean sheets, exposing their defensive vulnerabilities. Currently sitting at the bottom of the league table with 25 points, this final match is critical if they aim to salvage any pride and end the season on a positive note.

DC United Key Players

For DC United, the performance of Christian Benteke will be crucial. Benteke is their top scorer with nine goals and has shown he can be a game-changer. He will likely be the main threat to Atlanta’s defence.

The expected lineup for DC United includes:

• Goalkeeper: Jordan Farr
• Defenders: David Schnegg, Lucas Bartlett, Kye Rowles, Conner Antley
• Midfielders: Jackson Hopkins, Brandon Servania, Gabriel Pirani
• Forwards: Jared Stroud, Peglow, Christian Benteke

Key individual battles to watch will include Benteke against Atlanta’s backline, particularly Stian Gregersen and Juan Berrocal. The creativity of Gabriel Pirani in midfield will be essential in breaking down Atlanta’s defence, while Jackson Hopkins and Brandon Servania will need to control the central areas.

DC United’s hopes will rest on these key players stepping up and delivering a strong performance in this final league game.

DC United Suspensions & Injuries

DC United will have to cope with a few significant absences due to suspensions and injuries, which could impact their game plan.

• Aaron Herrera is suspended following a red card, leaving a gap in their defensive setup.
• Luis Barraza, the primary goalkeeper, is also serving a suspension due to a red card, leading to Jordan Farr stepping in.
• Kristian Fletcher is out with a cruciate ligament injury, with a potential return date set for early March 2026.

These absences, especially in key defensive positions, could expose additional vulnerabilities in DC United’s lineup. It will be crucial for the remaining squad members to step up and compensate for these losses, particularly in such a critical match to close their season.

DC United Tactics and Formation

DC United Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Goalkeeper: Jordan Farr
• Right back: David Schnegg
• Right center back: Lucas Bartlett
• Left center back: Kye Rowles
• Left back: Conner Antley
• Right defensive midfielder: Jackson Hopkins
• Left defensive midfielder: Brandon Servania
• Right wing: Jared Stroud
• Attacking midfielder: Gabriel Pirani
• Left wing: Peglow
• Center forward: Christian Benteke
• Key Forward: Christian Benteke
• Defensive Reality: No clean sheets in the last five games, with over 50 goals conceded this season
• Notable Strategy: Utilizing Benteke’s physical presence to unsettle opposition defences and creating opportunities through wide players like Stroud and Peglow

René Weiler’s approach will likely emphasize using their wide players to deliver crosses into the box for Benteke. Pirani’s creativity in the attacking midfield role will be crucial in threading passes into the forwards. With a shaky defence, DC United will need to be proactive in attack to relieve pressure off their backline and aim to outscore Atlanta in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.

Atlanta United vs DC United Head-to-Head Statistics

When it comes to their recent encounters, Atlanta United and DC United have had a series of closely contested matches, with neither side clearly dominating.

In their last five meetings:

• 5 July 2025: DC United 0 – 0 Atlanta United (MLS)
• 27 July 2024: Atlanta United 3 – 3 DC United (Penalty shoot-out: 5 – 6) (Leagues Cup East Group 7)
• 19 June 2024: DC United 0 – 1 Atlanta United (MLS)
• 11 May 2024: Atlanta United 2 – 3 DC United (MLS)
• 20 September 2023: DC United 1 – 1 Atlanta United (MLS)

The matches have been marked by tight scorelines, with both teams showcasing the ability to find the net. Their last clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium ended dramatically with DC United securing a 3-2 win, indicating the potential for another open game.

Overall, the head-to-head history suggests that fans can expect a fiercely competitive match with goals likely coming from both ends of the pitch.

Odds accurate as of 16.10.2025 23:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.