D.C. United have hit a rough patch
D.C. United will be in the mid-to-lower reaches of the MLS Eastern Conference standings at the end of June after a run of 4 wins, 9 losses and 6 draws in 19 games. After a 2-0 defeat away to Real Salt Lake last time out, the Black-and-Red will be looking to bounce back—our D.C. United (Washington) vs Atlanta United prediction reflects the pressure on both sides—against an Atlanta United side who are in similar form.
In the contrast between pragmatic D.C. United and expansive Atlanta United, we could see an open, back-and-forth contest on Saturday. For this D.C. United (Washington) vs Atlanta United preview, it’s important to note that D.C. United have played in a 3-4-3 system that has given priority to defensive solidity, discipline in their shape and quick, direct counters led by the pace and directness of Dominique Badji.
Luis Barraza has been in superb form for the hosts, making five key saves in the 0-0 draw at home to Nashville SC, where he anchored their defensive structure. However, Atlanta will arrive with a gameplan favoring an expansive, possession-based approach.
Atlanta will look to exploit poor D.C. United defences
Atlanta United are a possession-based side who are more intense in their pressing, more fluid and move the ball at a higher tempo. The visitors have won ten all-competition H2H clashes to D.C. United’s eight from the pair’s 19 previous meetings, a sequence of results which have been very entertaining and full of drama.
Neither manager is named, but both have worked hard to find stability following managerial changes partway through a poor season. The D.C. United (Washington) vs Atlanta United odds are perfectly balanced at 2.53 for a D.C. United win and Atlanta United, suggesting a hard-to-call matchup this weekend.
Given the nature of this fixture and the poor form of both, our D.C. United (Washington) vs Atlanta United prediction is that a win would edge either side closer to the playoff positions, whereas defeat would see them fall further down the Eastern Conference. As the defenses of both have been poor for the most part, we’re taking the ‘both teams to score’ bet as our main selection, but with the 3-3 draw still fresh in the memory, we fancy another nail-biter. For those looking for additional insights, the best D.C. United (Washington) vs Atlanta United betting tips recommend keeping an eye on the goals markets.
