Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 26 May 2025 - bettingexpert
The upcoming Major League Soccer clash between Atlanta United and FC Cincinnati at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on 26 May 2025 promises an intriguing contest. Atlanta United, currently languishing in 28th position with 11 points, will be keen to turn their season around against a high-flying FC Cincinnati, who sit comfortably in 2nd place with 29 points.
Atlanta United have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.9 goals per match, while FC Cincinnati has shown consistency, scoring in 86% of their matches. Historically, FC Cincinnati has had the upper hand in recent encounters and comes into this match as the bookmaker’s favourites.
Given their form and historical dominance, our recommended bet is for FC Cincinnati to win. Expect a competitive game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, contributing to the rich narrative of this MLS season.
Atlanta United vs FC Cincinnati Prediction & Betting Tip
Based on the current form and historical dominance, our recommended bet is for FC Cincinnati to win. Here’s why:
Atlanta United vs FC Cincinnati Prediction |
——————————————– ———————————-|
Betting tip | Odds |
FC Cincinnati to win | 2.71 |
- Recent Form: FC Cincinnati has shown stronger performance recently, reflected by their DWWLW record, compared to Atlanta United’s LDLDL.
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: Atlanta United has struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.9 goals per match.
- Historical Edge: Historically, FC Cincinnati has the upper hand, particularly in recent encounters against Atlanta United.
Expect an engaging contest at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with FC Cincinnati looking like the stronger side.
Atlanta United vs FC Cincinnati Odds
Let’s dive into the odds for the matchup between Atlanta United and FC Cincinnati. Here’s a quick look:
| Atlanta United vs FC Cincinnati Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Atlanta United to win | 2.38 |
| Draw | 3.51 |
| FC Cincinnati to win | 2.71 |
These odds paint a compelling picture. While Atlanta United is slightly favoured, their recent form and defensive woes suggest otherwise. FC Cincinnati’s momentum positions them well for a potential win, which could be worth considering for bettors looking for value.
Atlanta United Team Analysis
Atlanta United Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta United | Philadelphia Union | 2025-05-17 | Major League Soccer | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Austin FC | Atlanta United | 2025-05-15 | Major League Soccer | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Chicago Fire FC | Atlanta United | 2025-05-10 | Major League Soccer | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Atlanta United | Nashville SC | 2025-05-03 | Major League Soccer | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Orlando City | Atlanta United | 2025-04-26 | Major League Soccer | 3-0 (Loss) |
Atlanta United has struggled recently, failing to secure a win in their last five matches. Their recent form reads as follows: Loss, Draw, Loss, Draw, Loss.
They’ve conceded a significant number of goals, with an average of 1.9 goals allowed per game over the season. Meanwhile, their average goals scored in the last 5 games sits at just 0.60. Crucially, they’ve failed to keep any clean sheets during this period.
Their most recent result was a 0-1 loss to Philadelphia Union, highlighting ongoing defensive and offensive issues. Atlanta United will need to tighten up at the back and find some attacking spark to turn their fortunes around.
Atlanta United Key Players
Atlanta United will be looking to Emmanuel Latte Lath to provide the much-needed attacking prowess. With 5 goals, he remains their top scorer this season and a key figure in breaking down FC Cincinnati’s defense.
Another crucial player for Atlanta is Miguel Almirón, who will be leading the line in the expected 5-3-2 formation. His creativity and playmaking ability could be decisive in orchestrating attacks.
On the defensive end, veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan will need to be at his best to stem the tide of FC Cincinnati’s attacks, especially with Kevin Denkey, their top scorer, up front for the visitors.
Expected lineup for Atlanta United:
- Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan
- Defenders: Brooks Lennon, Matthew Edwards, Derrick Williams, Luis Abram, Pedro Amador
- Midfielders: Aleksey Miranchuk, Tristan Muyumba, Ajani Fortune
- Forwards: Jamal Thiare, Miguel Almirón
Atlanta United Suspensions & Injuries
Atlanta United are experiencing a noteworthy absence in their squad due to injury. Stian Gregersen is sidelined with a hip injury and is not expected to return until early June 2025, which will be a significant blow to their defensive lineup.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Stian Gregersen | Hip injury | Early June 2025 |
Gregersen’s absence compounds the defensive challenges for Atlanta United, who have already struggled to keep clean sheets and have conceded an average of 1.9 goals per match this season. No suspensions have been reported, allowing Atlanta United to field a strong lineup otherwise.
Atlanta United Tactics and Formation
Atlanta United Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 5-3-2
- Key Forward: Emmanuel Latte Lath
- Midfield Trio: Aleksey Miranchuk, Tristan Muyumba, Ajani Fortune
- Defensive Structure: Focus on three central defenders
Ronny Deila favours a 5-3-2 formation, prioritising a solid defensive line with three centre-backs, Derrick Williams, Matthew Edwards, and Luis Abram, supported by wing-backs Brooks Lennon and Pedro Amador.
The midfield trio, featuring Ajani Fortune, Tristan Muyumba, and Aleksey Miranchuk, will aim to control the tempo and provide service to the forwards. Miguel Almirón and Jamal Thiare, pairing upfront, will be crucial in converting limited opportunities into goals.
Given their defensive struggles and the absence of key defender Stian Gregersen, maintaining a compact formation will be essential to withstand FC Cincinnati’s offensive threats.
FC Cincinnati Team Analysis
FC Cincinnati Recent Performance
Recent Form: DWWLW
FC Cincinnati have been in impressive form lately, collecting 10 points from their last five matches. They’ve secured three wins, one draw, and one loss, demonstrating their attacking prowess and solid defence.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus Crew | FC Cincinnati | 2025-05-17 | Major League Soccer | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Toronto FC | FC Cincinnati | 2025-05-14 | Major League Soccer | 0-1 (Win) |
| FC Cincinnati | Austin FC | 2025-05-10 | Major League Soccer | 2-1 (Win) |
| New York City FC | FC Cincinnati | 2025-05-04 | Major League Soccer | 1-0 (Loss) |
| FC Cincinnati | Sporting Kansas City | 2025-04-26 | Major League Soccer | 2-1 (Win) |
FC Cincinnati has managed to score an average of 1.2 goals per match in their last five games and kept one clean sheet. Their well-organised defence, conceding just one goal per game on average this season, has been crucial to their success. Key metrics underline their strong overall performance, making them a formidable side as they travel to face Atlanta United.
FC Cincinnati Key Players
FC Cincinnati has several key players to watch in their upcoming match against Atlanta United. Kévin Denkey, the team’s top scorer, has netted 8 goals this season, making him a constant threat up front. Alongside him, Sergio Santos is expected to create significant scoring opportunities. In the midfield, Evander Ferreira and Obinna Nwobodo are pivotal, providing both defensive stability and creative playmaking. Defensively, the likes of Matt Miazga and Miles Robinson will be crucial in warding off Atlanta United’s attacks.
Expected lineup for FC Cincinnati:
- Goalkeeper: Roman Celentano
- Defenders: Luca Orellano, Matt Miazga, Nick Hagglund, Miles Robinson, Lukas Engel
- Midfielders: Evander Ferreira, Obinna Nwobodo, Pavel Bucha
- Forwards: Sergio Santos, Kévin Denkey
These players are vital in maintaining FC Cincinnati’s impressive run and achieving victory.
FC Cincinnati Suspensions & Injuries
Good news for FC Cincinnati fans: there are no suspensions or injuries reported ahead of their clash with Atlanta United. This means Pat Noonan has a full squad to choose from, which is critical given their strong form and high standing in the league.
A complete and fit squad allows for tactical flexibility and depth in the lineup. This could be a significant advantage as they look to continue their impressive run and capitalize on Atlanta United’s defensive struggles. Expect a strong showing from the Cincinnati side.
FC Cincinnati Tactics and Formation
FC Cincinnati Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 5-3-2
- Key Forwards: Sergio Santos and Kévin Denkey
- Midfield Three: Obinna Nwobodo, Evander, and Pavel Bucha
- Defensive Structure: Featuring a three-centre back setup with Matthew Miazga, Miles Robinson, and Nick Hagglund, FC Cincinnati aim to build a solid wall at the back.
- Notable Strategy: Expect Cincinnati to play a balanced game, focusing on a structured defence while leveraging their speedy wingers and playmakers to launch counterattacks. Their ability to score in 86% of their matches this season highlights their consistent offensive threats.
- Formidable Combination: The synergy between their solid defence and the creative midfield trio allows them to control the game’s tempo and dictate play.
This setup makes Cincinnati a tough opponent, particularly against an Atlanta side that has struggled defensively.
Atlanta United vs FC Cincinnati Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC Cincinnati | Atlanta United | 2025-03-22 | Major League Soccer | 2-2 (Draw) |
| FC Cincinnati | Atlanta United | 2024-05-15 | Major League Soccer | 1-0 (Win) |
| Atlanta United | FC Cincinnati | 2024-04-20 | Major League Soccer | 1-2 (Loss) |
| FC Cincinnati | Atlanta United | 2023-10-21 | Major League Soccer | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Atlanta United | FC Cincinnati | 2023-08-30 | Major League Soccer | 1-2 (Loss) |
In the last five encounters between these sides, FC Cincinnati holds the upper hand with two wins and three draws. The teams have scored a total of 13 goals in these matchups, showing a trend of competitive and tightly contested games.
These historical performances might give FC Cincinnati a psychological edge heading into the match, especially considering Atlanta United’s recent form struggles.
Odds accurate as of 24/05/2025 00:01, and are subject to change. Always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
