Atlanta United
- Atlanta United have made a miserable start to the 2026 MLS campaign and will be looking for a bounce back win when they host Western Conference outfit Real Salt Lake on Sunday.
- The Five Stripes have lost their opening two games against FC Cincinnati and the San Jose Earthquakes, both by a 2-0 scoreline, and the early signs are not good that Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino can fix Atlanta’s problem with a lack of potency.
- Emmanuel Latte Lath remains Atlanta’s main goal threat and was their highest scorer last season, but he has not been able to get on the end of any passes so far.
- So far, Tata has not got that right and it will be interesting to see how quickly he can turn the corner in front of their home crowd.
Real Salt Lake
- The visitors are a different proposition to the two clubs that Atlanta have already faced and should provide an intriguing test for Martino’s side.
- RSL began their season with a 1-0 away defeat at Vancouver, but they responded well last weekend with a 2-1 victory at home to the Seattle Sounders.
- Pablo Mastroeni’s men have a very different tactical approach to Atlanta, preferring to play a disciplined style with lots of width from their wing-backs and the strength of set pieces.
- Diego Luna is the engine that makes the team go as a playmaker with the vision to unlock defences, but this season they look ready to give some of their academy players a chance to make an impact.
- Aiden Hezarkhani was superb in the home opener and Zavier Gozo also made an immediate impact.
Head-to-Head
- Goals look likely when these two sides meet, with the all-time MLS head-to-head record standing at 3-2 in favour of Atlanta United.
- Real Salt Lake won the most recent clash by a 5-2 margin in July 2024 and the average number of goals scored in those five matches is nearly 3.8.
Key Players
- Emmanuel Latte Lath remains Atlanta’s main goal threat and was their highest scorer last season, but he has not been able to get on the end of any passes so far.
- Diego Luna is the engine that makes the team go as a playmaker with the vision to unlock defences, but this season they look ready to give some of their academy players a chance to make an impact.
- Aiden Hezarkhani was superb in the home opener and Zavier Gozo also made an immediate impact.
Betting Insights
- That should make the Over 2.5 goals option at 1.7 a tempting bet for this contest.
- Atlanta are very marginal home favorites with the bookmakers at 2.19, with RSL listed at 3.31 and the draw at 3.66.
- Atlanta’s game is to go forward and attack, but RSL will be the more comfortable team when they are defending and can be dangerous when they transition.
Prediction
There is a chance RSL could nick it, or at the very least force a high-scoring draw, given their superior form and the defensive solidity they usually have.
