- Philadelphia Union have won two and lost only two of their last five matches.
- Philadelphia are unbeaten in five at home in all competitions, winning two and drawing three.
Two contrasting styles meet at Subaru Park
Philadelphia Union come into Saturday's MLS 2026 clash with Atlanta United on the back of a two-game winning streak that has seen them play well.
Richter, who has been in charge since 27 May 2026, has made Philadelphia a fast team that can press teams and restart play quickly and with purpose. They will look to push Atlanta back in this fixture, which seems destined to be a battle between press and possession.
Philadelphia can play a flexible 4-4-2 formation with a narrow diamond when they want to keep their midfield compact. In this system, no.6 is a defender who covers the back four, rather than a midfield playmaker who can go to either box. Jack Collinson's Atlanta, on the other hand, like to keep it on the floor, getting wide and making it happen in the final third through a combination of quality and movement.
Union should get the upper hand
Whatever happens here, with both teams likely to be in their own comfort zone, the game should flow nicely with no real chance of it being cagey. Over 2.5 goals, which is the shortest available play at 1.65, is not the best bet, however, because the game can go either way from there, with both sides happy to play at that tempo.
Both Teams To Score Yes is the next shortest play, at 1.62, which is still too short in our opinion, even though it makes sense that two attacking sides will each find a way to get on the scoresheet. Philadelphia are the play here, however, at 1.67 with Atlanta available at 4.65 - that's an obvious mismatch.
The Union have been solid at Subaru Park, where they are unbeaten in their last five home games in all competitions. They have won the last two and shown zip as well as edge in those wins, while Atlanta have drawn one and lost four of their last five, a run that has taken the air out of the Five Stripes.
Iloski is the main man
If Philadelphia can win the ball high and keep it they will get numerous chances to punish Atlanta, who have conceded 15 times in eight games on the road in all competitions. Milan Iloski is the big danger man for the hosts, who have scored 12 goals in their last five games, with the striker getting seven of them. He is red-hot right now and a good pick to score anytime.
Richter has been in the job since the end of May and the Union seem to be getting better, whereas Collison has overseen the side since taking over on 3 June 2021. Atlanta's last two MLS 2026 results have been a 2-0 draw away at Charlotte and a 4-0 defeat to New England Revolution. Philadelphia should win this, albeit in a goal-filled game.
