Columbus Crew
- Columbus Crew have gone winless in their last four MLS games.
- After a 3-7-4 start to the MLS 2026 season that leaves them 13th in the Eastern Conference, Columbus Crew will look to bounce back against Atlanta United on Sunday.
- Courtois has been a long-time servant of Crew and an experienced youth developer, and he aims to quickly stabilize Columbus through defensive organization and continuity from the club’s academy structure.
- And he will look to improve a defence that has been conceding too many goals recently, with goalkeeper Patrick Schulte needing to steady the ship after a series of wobbly performances.
Atlanta United
- Atlanta United have won three of their last five in all competitions, drawing 1-1 at Orlando on May 16, 2026.
- Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino’s Atlanta team are an exciting, orthodox possession side that likes to press, play wide and attack with plenty of forward movement.
- Martino’s trademark attacking style has shown glimpses of brilliance this season, but the side has been vulnerable to late collapses such as their 4-1 defeat to Orlando in the U.S. Open Cup.
Head-to-Head
- Columbus Crew won 3-1 at Atlanta on April 4, 2026.
- Columbus lead the head-to-head record 15-7 since 2017.
Key Players
- Courtois has been a long-time servant of Crew and an experienced youth developer, and he aims to quickly stabilize Columbus through defensive organization and continuity from the club’s academy structure.
- And he will look to improve a defence that has been conceding too many goals recently, with goalkeeper Patrick Schulte needing to steady the ship after a series of wobbly performances.
- Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino’s Atlanta team are an exciting, orthodox possession side that likes to press, play wide and attack with plenty of forward movement.
Betting Insights
- Atlanta are priced as underdogs at 6.29 for this away matchup, with the draw coming in at 4.68.
- The 2.5 goals line is at 1.5 and that is probably too low for a matchup featuring two teams desperate for three points before the MLS World Cup break.
Prediction
- Crew’s new boss will want his team to come out fast against a team that has been in good form, so it could easily turn into a draw if the Black and Gold bounce back under the new leadership.
- Atlanta United, with their attacking style, are the best bet to get on the scoreboard in a game with plenty of goals and momentum.
