Venue:
Bank of America Stadium
Time:
12:00 PM 3/11
Watch on:
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, Fox Sports
Atlanta United Preview:
Atlanta is coming off of a home draw against Toronto FC, in which Adama Diomande joined Lorenzo Insigne on the sideline due to injury. The Five Stripes struggled to create much but got a shoddy goal from multiple deflections on a Matheus Rossetto shot, tying the game in response to a dagger from Bernadeschi on an out of the blue counter. There were some really promising signs later, though. When hyped up DP striker Giorgos Giakoumakis saw the pitch, the Five Stripes started creating a bit more, Luiz Araujo looked much better and more involved, and Atlanta even scored a goal that would’ve given them the win if not for a suspect offsides call on Juanjo Purata. Heading into Saturday, Santiago Sosa is returning from suspension, but Matheus Rossetto has had a bit of a pain in the hamstring, ruling him out, probably due to the club’s hesitance to risk it given what happened last year. Pineda is also unlikely to play a double-pivot in the midfield, leading to an interesting situation there. Giorgos Giakoumakis also may see the pitch as a starter, along with other winter additions Luis Abram and Derrick Etienne.
Predicted XI:
Charlotte FC Preview
Recent Transfers
In the offseason, Charlotte brought in Argentina Primera Division’s leading non-penalty goal scorer Enzo Copetti. He already has one bagged in MLS against St. Louis. They also brought in Former Burnley midfielder Ashley Westwood, who started nearly every EPL game for Burnley in recent years. On top of them, they added right back Nathan Byrne on a free from Derby County.
Availability
Center back Guzman Corujo is out with a knee injury, as is fullback Adam Armour, who scored Charlotte’s first ever goal on Atlanta last season. First keeper option Kristian Kahlina is out with a hurt back, as is young striker Vinicius Mello.
Players to Watch
Bill Tuiloma
Tuiloma’s passing numbers are very good and he’s absolutely dangerous on set pieces. His defensive side of the game may be lacking a bit, but going forward he’ll be a threat.
Ashley Westwood
He was an EPL starter… not much more I can say here. Five chances created, 80% passing accuracy, hasn’t had an incomplete dribble… he’ll be a demon in the midfield.
Brandt Bronico
Bronico went from more or less a depth piece at Chicago to a very good MLS midfielder at Charlotte. He’s another very quality piece in the midfield you should be keeping an eye out for.
Derrick Jones
Has been showing his talent and, as a result, has become a very good midfielder in MLS. If he starts (he may not, given he was benched against New England), he’ll be another good midfielder.
Karol Swiderski
Fresh off a 14 g/a 2022 season and a World Cup callup, including a start against Argentina, Swiderski has already tallied an assist in 2023. He led Charlotte in g/a in 2022 and will be a dangerous player against Atlanta.
Enzo Copetti
Most non-penalty goals in Argentina Primera Division in 2022 and with a goal already, Copetti is a guy I’ve been following and one that everybody should be watching. A very dangerous player who could cause problems for Atlanta’s back line.
Predicted XI:
Score Prediction:
2-1, Atlanta United
I trust an attacking line with Giakoumakis, Almada, Etienne and Araujo against that Charlotte back line, however Charlotte’s got a good midfield and between Swiderski and Copetti, given Atlanta’s tendency to give away dumb goals, Charlotte will manage one.
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