Atlanta United host MLS newbies Charlotte at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in their upcoming Eastern Conference fixture on Sunday.
The home side kicked off their 2022 campaign with a 3-1 home win over Sporting Kansas City but fell to a 3-0 loss in their first away game at Colorado Rapids last week.
Charlotte made history in their first-ever home game in the MLS against LA Galaxy, a game that saw 74,479 people in attendance at the Bank of America Stadium.
They have got off to a slow start and are yet to score a goal in two games so far. They will be desperate to change that in this game.
Atlanta United vs Charlotte Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the first-ever encounter between the two sides.
- Atlanta United players have been flagged offside on more occasions than any other team in the MLS (8).
- Atlanta United are winless in their last five games against expansion sides (D2, L3) and will be hoping to snap that streak here.
- Atlanta United are unbeaten in eight straight home games (W6 D2), three fewer than their all-time record of 11 games between April and August 2019.
- Charlotte are one of four Eastern Conference sides yet to find the back of the net this season. They have the second-worst goal difference in the MLS (-4).
Atlanta United vs Charlotte Prediction
Atlanta United scored three times in their previous league outings and are unbeaten at Sunday's venue since September. They did not look solid in their away game at Colorado Rapids as they conceded three times despite dominating possession. They're expected to have a better outing at home turf in this game.
Charlotte suffered consecutive defeats in their opening two MLS fixtures but they are not the first team to suffer that fate. Seven expansion clubs before them have lost their first two games in Major League Soccer action.
Atlanta have a solid home record and should be able to secure a narrow win against their eastern rivals.
Prediction: Atlanta United 2-0 Charlotte
Atlanta United vs Charlotte Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Atlanta United (The hosts have six wins in their last eight games)
Tip 2: Both teams to score - No (Charlotte are the only team besides Cincinnati without a goal despite eight shots on goal)
Tip 3: Goals - Over/under 2.5 - Under 2.5 goals