In just their second season of Major League Soccer, Nashville SC look like strong playoff contenders. Currently fourth in the Eastern Conference, Nashville go into Thursday night’s (Friday European time) match with rival Atlanta United seeking to remain unbeaten.
Gary Smith’s team are on a three-match unbeaten streak posting two wins and a draw. Last time out, Nashville defeated Philadelphia Union 1-0.
A versatile addition to the squad 👊Welcome, @amarsejdic1 🔴⚫️— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) July 6, 2021
A versatile addition to the squad 👊Welcome, @amarsejdic1 🔴⚫️
Now, the Music City club aim to take points off of Atlanta United, who are struggling for wins.
Atlanta United sit in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with 12 points from 33 possible. Manager Gabriel Heinze has not had the best of campaigns but still has plenty of time to turn things around this season.
The Five Stripes are just four points off of the final Eastern Conference playoff place.
As long as they can hang around and get into the playoffs at the end of the season, there is always the chance Atlanta United can go on a run and win the MLS Cup.
Thursday night’s match at the Nissan Stadium is the second meeting between the teams this season. The first finished 2-2 as Nashville scored twice in the final 10 minutes to claim a draw.
Atlanta United scored in the sixth minute thanks to a Marcelino Moreno goal. Just after halftime Erik Lopez double the Five Stripes’ lead.
However, the defence couldn’t hold the two-goal advantage as Hany Mukhtar scored twice to power the Music City team back for a draw.
Heinz has three players on the injury list. Matheus Rossetto is unlikely to return to the team until the end of July due to an abdominal injury.
Striker Josef Martinez is also unlikely to feature following the Copa America. He also tested positive for COVID-19 while on international duty.
Smith has just one name on Nashville’s current injury list. Dominique Badji is recovering from an ankle injury and will remain sidelined until the end of July.
Nashville have the best home points record in the Eastern Conference. They have taken 16 points from 24 possible and are unbeaten at home.
Atlanta United, on the other hand, have not won on the road this season. They have taken just three points away from Atlanta.
Nashville’s excellent home form should continue as they post a score draw versus Atlanta United.
The Five Stripes should end their two-match away losing streak by getting a point and staying near the current MLS Eastern Conference playoff places.