Preview:Colorado Rapids vs Atlanta United - prediction, team news, lineups

Colorado Rapids welcome Atlanta United to Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Sunday in a crucial MLS fixture, with both sides eager to boost their league positions after 26 rounds. The Rapids, who have shown stronger form at home, will look to build on their recent win.

Atlanta United, however, arrive under pressure, still searching for their first away victory of the campaign and struggling near the bottom of the table, so they may see this match as a chance to turn their fortunes around and end a frustrating run of results.

Match preview

Sunday’s clash at Dick's Sporting Goods Park pits two sides in contrasting league positions against each other, as Colorado Rapids aim to strengthen their mid-table push while Atlanta United look to halt their slide near the bottom.

With both teams having plenty to prove, this promises to be a competitive MLS contest. The Rapids currently sit 18th in the league with 33 points from 26 matches, a return built on nine wins, six draws and 11 defeats.

While they have netted 33 goals this season, their defensive record of 40 conceded shows there is still work to do at the back.

On home turf, Colorado have been far more competitive, winning six, drawing two, and losing five at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. That home advantage could prove vital here, even if they have faced defeats in 50% of their last six home matches.

Consistency remains the biggest challenge for Chris Armas and his wards, with recent form showing the Rapids have been somewhat unpredictable, as in their last 10 matches.

They have claimed just three victories against seven losses, although they enter this tie off the back of a win, a boost they will want to build on against tricky opposition.

History, however, is not in their favour. Colorado have lost four of their last five meetings with Atlanta United, underlining the challenge they face when the visitors come calling.

Still, with the altitude, home crowd and a chance to put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack, they have plenty of motivation.

Atlanta United, meanwhile, come into this game in 26th place with just 22 points from their 25 fixtures. It has been a tough campaign for Ronny Deila’s side, with only four wins to go alongside 10 draws and 11 defeats.

The away side’s tally of 30 goals scored and 46 conceded points to problems at both ends of the pitch. Their away form is even more troubling with Atlanta still searching for their first road win of the season, playing out five draws and seven losses from 12 away games.

This inability to claim three points on their travels have been a major reason for their current struggles. The visitors have, however, shown some resilience of late, picking up three draws in their last six away matches across all competitions.

That defensive grit will need to be paired with greater attacking output if they are to finally break their away duck.

Given their lowly league position, every point is crucial for Atlanta at this moment as they will likely approach this match with caution.

They will be hoping to frustrate the Rapids and hit on the counter when opportunities arise, as Deila will be keen to see his side take their chances after a season of missed openings.

While recent meetings between the two sides have favoured Atlanta, their form this season suggests they will face a stern test in Colorado.

Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer form:

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Atlanta United Major League Soccer form:

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Team News

Colorado Rapids will be without English centre-back Rob Holding, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury, as head coach Chris Armas prepares his side for the weekend clash.

Midfielder Ali Fadal is also unavailable due to injury, while creative playmaker Wayne Frederick misses out through international duty.

Defender Connor Ronan is another absentee and is not expected back until late August while in attack, Colorado will once again look to their in-form striker Rafael Navarro, the club’s top scorer with 12 goals this season.

Young midfielder Darren Yapi has also impressed, contributing six goals and two assists, and is expected to partner Navarro as the Rapids aim to make home advantage count and secure maximum points.

For Atlanta United, manager Ronny Deila will be hoping for a stronger performance from his side following their away draw at CF Montreal.

The visitors will depend heavily on the attacking duo of Aleksandr Miranchuk, who has seven goals and three assists in MLS, and Emmanuel Latte Lath, who has netted eight goals with one assist.

Veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan will keep his place between the sticks, while backup shot-stopper Josh Cohen is sidelined with an injury.

In his absence, young keeper Jayden Hibbert is expected to take a place on the bench as Atlanta look to end their frustrating winless run on the road.

Colorado Rapids possible starting lineup:

Steffen; Cannon, Vinnes, Murphy, Maxso; Cobb, Larraz, Bassett; Harris, Yapi, Navarro

Atlanta United possible starting lineup:

Guzan; Lennon, Hernandez, Gregersen, Nkita; Almiron, Mihaj, Miranchuk; Lath, Slisz; Lobjanidze

We say: Colorado Rapids 2-1 Atlanta United

Even though the away side have a better head-to-head record, Colorado Rapids will head into this clash as the favourites, especially with Atlanta United’s ongoing difficulties in securing results on the road.

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