Preview: Nashville SC vs Atlanta United - prediction, team news, lineups

High-flying Nashville SC will aim to build on last weekend’s statement win when they welcome Atlanta United to Geodis Park for Major League Soccer action on Sunday.

The visitors have failed to win a single match on the road this season, while their hosts are chasing the Eastern Conference leaders and aiming to keep pace with the top two.

Match preview

Nashville are enjoying a strong season, sitting third in the Eastern Conference with 50 points from 28 games, four behind leaders Philadelphia Union with 15 wins, five draws and eight defeats.

They were at their ruthless best last time out, thrashing Orlando City 5-1 with Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar both netting braces while Jeison Palacios added his name to the scoresheet.

Luis Muriel managed to score a consolation, but he was later sent off to cap a miserable evening for the visitors.

The Boys in Gold have now scored eight goals in their last five outings and have been awarded more penalties than any other MLS side this season.

B.J. Callaghan appears to have settled into his role, guiding Nashville to a far better campaign than last year, when they finished 13th in his debut season.

The hosts have lost just four of their last 15 matches, scoring 49 goals and conceding 32 along the way, while Surridge leads the Golden Boot race with 20 league goals to his name.

Nashville’s strengths are clear: they create plenty of chances, thrive on wing play, and remain a threat from set pieces at both ends of the pitch.

In contrast, Atlanta United continue to endure a torrid season and were held to a goalless draw against Toronto FC last weekend, a result that leaves them second from bottom in the East.

The Five Stripes have picked up only four wins in 27 league games, alongside 11 draws and 12 defeats.

All of those victories came at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with their away form remaining a major weakness.

Defensively, Ronny Deila’s side have shipped 49 goals, which is the third-worst record in MLS, behind only Montreal (50) and D.C. United (53).

They are winless in their last 11 league matches and have found the net six times in their previous five.

Last season Atlanta finished ninth under Rob Valentino, but Deila has been unable to spark an improvement in his first year at the helm.

History does not favour them either, since Atlanta have won just once in their last 10 meetings with Nashville, drawing five and losing four.

Nashville SC Major League Soccer form:

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Nashville SC form (all competitions):

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Atlanta United Major League Soccer form:

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Atlanta United form (all competitions):

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Team News

Nashville remain without defender Taylor Washington, who is battling a knee injury, and winger Julian Gaines, who is sidelined with a thigh problem.

Daniel Lovitz is doubtful after missing the last three games with a foot issue, though he could return in early September.

Surridge and Mukhtar are expected to spearhead the attack once again after both netted twice against Orlando.

Atlanta could welcome back Jamal Thiare after recovering from a calf strain, while Pedro Amador is pushing for a return from a hamstring problem.

However, Ajani Fortune (foot) and Matthew Edward (hamstring) are both unavailable.

Teenage goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert impressed with a clean sheet against Toronto and may retain his place; Brad Guzan’s poor form has seen him drop down the pecking order.

Nashville SC possible starting lineup:

Willis; Najar, Zimmerman, Palacios, Bauer; Shaffelburg, Yazbek, Brugman, Muyl; Mukhtar, Surridge

Atlanta United possible starting lineup:

Hibbert; Hernandez, Gregersen, Mihaj, Amador; Slisz, Lobzhanidze, Muyumba, Brennan; Almiron, Miranchuk

We say: Nashville SC 3-0 Atlanta United

With Nashville boasting one of the best attacking records in the East and Atlanta struggling to win on the road, the gap in quality looks set to be exposed once again.

Callaghan’s men, backed by home advantage and plenty of firepower, should comfortably extend their momentum by punishing Atlanta’s defensive frailties.

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