- Charlotte have won their last two matches in a row.
- Atlanta United have lost their last two games in a row.
- Both teams are in a similar position overall, with W4, D1 and D5 in their respective last 10 matches in all competitions.
Charlotte are clear favourites against Atlanta
Charlotte are the clear favourites at 1.69 for Thursday's MLS 2026 clash at home to Atlanta United, but the visitors are in poorer shape and could get a result against the 5.03 outsiders, with the draw also priced at 4.13.
The hosts are in the better form of the two teams after going on a two-match winning streak in which they beat Toronto FC 3-1 and New England Revolution 1-0, while they had started their MLS 2026 campaign with a 1-0 home defeat to New York City FC. That's a run of W2, D1 and D2 in their last five, which keeps them in touch with the leaders, but they will need to keep it going to stay in the hunt.
Charlotte's record across all competitions is W3, D1 and D2 from their six home matches in 2026, conceding only six goals at an average of 1.00 per game. Dean Smith has been their head coach since 12 December 2023 and he has moulded a side which is flexible and result-focused, as well as able to overlap their full backs and create chances when they trap the opposition.
Atlanta have been more open, but lack a cutting edge
Atlanta United are a little out of sorts, having gone down 4-0 away to Orlando City SC in the US Open Cup 2026 before a 2-0 defeat to Columbus Crew in their away MLS 2026 game. They have been more positive in the way they approach the game, using short passing and fluid movement to create chances and pressing the opposition high up the field, but it has been less effective of late.
Jack Collison has been their boss since 3 June 2021 and he will be tasked with tightening things up after a 1-1-3 run in their last five. They are the superior side on paper, but the hosts are doing well and they are on a good run.
The contrast in styles could make for an interesting game of chess at the Bank of America Stadium, USA, with Charlotte's structure against Atlanta's ball circulation and pressing. While there is a likelihood that Charlotte will come out on top, the price is about right for a home win as it should be close. A BTTS Yes or Over 2.5 goals bet is also appealing at 1.64 and 1.7 if the attackers can get into their groove.
