Atlanta United hosts Inter Miami CF at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, as both sides look to recover from losses in their previous matches.
The two teams were scheduled to meet each other last week in Miami in the reverse fixture, but that game was postponed after the league was halted temporarily to recognize the nationwide fight for equal rights and anti-racism.
Atlanta is currently in eighth spot in the MLS Eastern Conference, after a less-than-convincing start to its season. After winning the Championship in 2018 and going as far as the Eastern Conference in 2019, it would have expected a lot more than just nine points from its opening seven matches.
It has also let go of Dutch head coach Frank de Boer, who has been replaced temporarily by Stephen Glass, until a permanent successor is found.
Miami is bottom, after losing its last game 1-0 to fellow newcomers Nashville SC.
Atlanta United vs Inter Miami CF: Head-to-Head
This will be the first game between the two sides, with Inter Miami playing its first season in the MLS.
Atlanta has endured uncharacteristic struggles this season, and has lost four of its last five MLS games, including a 3-1 loss to Orlando City SC in its last match
After winning the first game in its history, Inter Miami was back to its struggles in its last game against Nashville, but it was a game the team dominated. Inter Miami had 19 shots in that game compared to five from it's opponents, but the Florida-based side was wasteful in front of goal.
Atlanta United MLS Form Guide - L-W-L-L-L
Inter Miami CF MLS Form Guide - L-W-L-L-L
Atlanta United vs Inter Miami CF Team News
Atlanta United
It is no secret that Atlanta has struggled since star striker Josef Martinez has been absent with an injury. The Venezuelan ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament earlier this year, and is expected to miss the entire season. The team will welcome Franco Escobar back from suspension though.
Injured: Josef Martinez, Fernando Meza
Suspended: None
Inter Miami
For Inter Miami, experienced Panamanian defender Roman Torres is still expected to be unavailable, with new signing Blaise Matuidi not expected to be available until after a few more rounds of games.
Injured: Roman Torres
Suspended: None
Unavailable: Blaise Matuidi
Atlanta United vs Inter Miami CF Predicted XIs
Atlanta United (4-3-3): Brad Guzan; George Bello, Jeff Larentowicz, Miles Robinson, Anton Walkes; Emerson Hyndman, Eric Remedi, Matheus Rossetto; Brooks Lennon, Gonzalo Martinez, Adam Jahn
Inter Miami CF (4-2-3-1): Luis Robles; Nicolas Figal, Andres Reyes, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Ben Sweat; Victor Ulloa, Wil Trapp; Matias Pellegrini, Lewis Morgan, Rodolfo Pizzaro; Julian Carranza
Atlanta United vs Inter Miami CF Predictions
Inter Miami is still finding its feet in the MLS, with David Beckham's club having to put together a new squad for the season. Atlanta United is going through a period of indifferent form, but still possess enough match-winners in their side.
The likes of Brooks Lennon and Gonzalo Martinez are still proven attackers in this competition, and could be too hot to handle for the Inter Miami defenders.
Prediction: Atlanta United 3-1 Inter Miami