Major League Soccer dishes up a heavyweight Eastern Conference showdown this weekend, with New York City FC entertaining Atlanta United at Yankee Stadium.
While New York City have struggled for consistency throughout the early stages of the campaign, only two sides in the entire league have picked up more points than Atlanta this season.
Match preview
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New York City's record of two wins, two draws and two losses in 2023 tells you everything that you need to know about the team's patchy start to the season.
After taking one point from their opening two games, the 2021 MLS Cup champions secured victories over Inter Miami and DC United, but they have managed to take just one point from a possible six since then.
Following a 1-0 defeat at Houston Dynamo, New York City came from behind to rescue a 1-1 draw against the New England Revolution last weekend, courtesy of Talles Magno's 80th-minute equaliser.
Ultimately, the Boys in Blue have struggled to find the back of the net this year, while only three sides in the Eastern Conference have scored fewer goals than NYCFC's six.
It is worth pointing out, however, that New York City boast a 100% record on home soil this season, so they will be hopeful of notching a third successive victory at Yankee Stadium.
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As for Atlanta United, they have lost just one of their six matches this term, picking up four wins and one draw to remain within one point of FC Cincinnati at the Eastern Conference summit.
The Five Stripes kicked off their campaign with a run of three victories in four outings, securing an eye-catching 5-1 triumph over the Portland Timbers after winning 3-0 at Charlotte FC.
Gonzalo Pineda's men were brought back down to earth with a bump when they suffered a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of the Columbus Crew, as they managed to register a solitary shot on target in Ohio.
However, Atlanta wasted no time in returning to winning ways against the New York Red Bulls last weekend, with former Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis scoring the only goal of the game.
Having netted 13 goals across their six matches this season, Atlanta are the second-highest scorers in the Eastern Conference, but they also have the fourth-worst defensive record.
Team News
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New York City FC have reported no injury problems ahead of this weekend, meaning that head coach Nick Cushing has a full-strength squad at his disposal.
Thiago Martins, Braian Cufre, Keaton Parks, Matias Pellegrini, Luis Barraza and Talles Magno have started all six games this term, highlighting Cushing's selection consistency.
Having chalked up one goal and two assists, Brazilian winger Gabriel Pereira is expected to return to NYCFC's starting XI after coming off the bench last time out.
Atlanta United midfielder Osvaldo Alonso remains sidelined with an ACL injury, while Andrew Gutman is also absent due to an adductor issue.
Meanwhile, there are question marks over the availability of centre-back Luis Abram, as the Peruvian has not featured since returning from international duty.
In-form attacking midfielder Thiago Almada has bagged four goals and four assists across five MLS outings this season, while Caleb Wiley has contributed three goals and two assists from left-back.
New York City FC possible starting lineup:
Barraza; Ilenic, Martins, Chanot, Cufre; Parks, Sands; Pellegrini, Rodriguez, Pereira; Magno
Atlanta United possible starting lineup:
Guzan; Lennon, Robinson, Sanchez, Wiley; Sejdic, Ibarra; Araujo, Almada, Etienne; Giakoumakis
We say: New York City FC 0-2 Atlanta United
Although New York City remain unbeaten at Yankee Stadium this season, we expect free-scoring Atlanta United to end NYCFC's 100% home record by notching a fifth victory in seven outings.
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Top tip
Ben Morris
