The MLS Is Back competition has started excellently with some thrilling fixtures. That promises to continue this week with some huge games taking place on Thursday. The pick of those fixtures will see one of the leading sides in the betting to win the competition take on FC Cincinnati. But, will they be able to bounce back following their disappointing defeat in their first game?
Atlanta United vs Cincinnati Odds
| Atlanta United | -217 |
| Draw | +350 |
| Cincinnati | +460 |
Recent Form Of Teams
Atlanta United were many people’s picks to do well in this competition when it got underway over the weekend, but they currently find themselves in third position. They were a little unfortunate in their opening game, as they had 68% of the possession and registered double the number of shots than their opponents. However, Atlanta couldn’t find a way to breakthrough the resilient New York Red Bulls defence, and were beaten 1-0.
Atlanta paid the ultimate price for a slow start, as Florian Valot scored after four minutes to get New York the lead. Atlanta pushed for an equaliser throughout the match but they just couldn’t find a way through. There will certainly be an immediate response from one of the best teams in the MLS in this fixture.
Cincinnati have only been competing since 2016, but there is still a long way to go for Jaap Stam’s side if they are to seriously trouble the leading sides in the MLS. They undoubtedly have quality in the forms of Jurgen Locadia and Siem de Jong, but defensively they have really struggled against teams with vibrant frontlines in the MLS. That was once again the case against the Columbus Crew in the opening match back, as they were beaten 4-0.
Gyasi Zarades scored a brace in that win, while there were also goals for Lucas Zelarayan and Youness Mokhtar. Cincinnati only had 38% of the possession in that defeat and only had three shots on target. This will be another tough fixture for them to bounce back to winning ways, as Atlanta certainly have the more progressive squad.
Recent Meetings Between Sides
This will be the fourth occasion that these two sides have come face-to-face, and FC Cincinnati are yet to win a game. Atlanta have won on two previous occasions, while there has also been one draw. Cincinnati have averaged under a goal a game in the meetings. The last two meetings have been won by Atlanta, with the most recent of those coming in March as they recorded a 2-1 success. The only draw came back in 2019.
Latest Team News
Atlanta’s chances have been hindered by the loss of Josef Martinez, who remains out with an ACL injury. Meanwhile, Cincinnati will be without Jimmy McLaughlin, while Jurgen Locadia faces a race to be fit in time.
Atlanta United vs Cincinnati Pick
It is incredibly challenging to see past Atlanta getting the win that they crave to get their restart back on track. They have the most exciting team out of the two, and while they may not win the MLS Is Back competition due to the loss of Martinez, they will get the win in this fixture.
Pick: Atlanta United at -217 with BetOnline.ag.
