New York City FC face Atlanta United on Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30PM ET.
Here are the Keys to the match, presented by Ford.
Road Game
New York City FC will return to the road this weekend following a home meeting with Red Bull New York.
The Boys in Blue recorded their last victory away from home, earning a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake thanks to goals from Nico Fernández Mercau and Luighi. They will be looking to build on that result when they travel to Georgia to face Atlanta United.
Atlanta has endured an inconsistent run at home, winning two and losing two of its last four matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That record should give the Pigeons confidence that they can claim another positive result on the road.
The Five Stripes
Atlanta United appointed a new head coach ahead of the season, but it was a familiar face who took the reins.
Gerardo Martino returned to the club six years after concluding his first spell in charge. His initial tenure represented one of the most successful periods in Atlanta’s history, culminating in an MLS Cup triumph in 2018.
Now back at the helm following spells with the Mexican national team and Inter Miami CF, Martino has also been reunited with Miguel Almirón, who played a central role during his first spell in charge.
Atlanta’s attack was further strengthened by the midseason arrival of Breel Embolo. Tactically, Martino has remained relatively consistent, regularly deploying his team in a 4-3-3 formation.
Form Guide
This weekend’s meeting will be the 20th between New York City FC and Atlanta United, with the rivalry dating back to 2017.
Both teams claimed 3-1 victories during that inaugural season, with the Boys in Blue’s win secured by goals from David Villa, Rodney Wallace and Maxi Moralez.
New York City FC narrowly holds the overall edge, with one more victory than Atlanta. However, draws have been the most common result between the two sides.
One of the more significant meetings came in 2021, when New York City FC defeated Atlanta United 2-0 at Yankee Stadium en route to winning the MLS Cup. Three years earlier, Atlanta had eliminated the Pigeons in the playoffs on its way to lifting the trophy.
Last season produced two high-scoring encounters. Atlanta claimed a 4-3 victory at home before the Boys in Blue responded with an emphatic 4-0 win in the return fixture.
Hannes Wolf, Monsef Bakrar and, unsurprisingly, Maxi Moralez were all on the scoresheet that day. Moralez will be unavailable this time around, but his absence presents an opportunity for another player to make their mark and add their name to the history of this fixture.
