Our prediction for this MLS match:
Atlanta United will be aiming to build on back-to-back wins over Orlando City (3-0) and Cincinnati (4-0) when they take on D.C. United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Five Stripes are determined to book their place in the playoffs, and we predict that they will stick to their attacking style of play in Saturday’s clash. Josef Martinez, who scored a brace in the midweek triumph, will be the man to watch in the home team, while both Ibarra and Hyndman are likely to miss the game with injuries.
As for the visiting team, they continue with their habit of producing much better showings at home than on the travels. The capital club conceded nine goals in total in the previous three away games, which is probably the main reason why home win should be considered. A man to watch in the away team will be Norway international Kamara who scored a hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Chicago, while all Hines-Ike, Odoi-Atsem, and Perez remain in the recovery room.
Highlighted Player (Josef Martinez):
Josef Martinez started his senior career at Caracas, but he made no more than 36 league appearances for the Venezuelan outfit from 2010 to 2012. Martinez then moved to Europe and the 170-cm tall striker scored 4 goals in 34 appearances for the capital club. In the 2013/2014 season he played for fellow Swiss outfit Thun (on loan) and on June 7, 2014 he signed a contract with Serie A team Torino.
In December, 2017 Josef Martinez scored his first ever goal in the Italian top flight in a 2-2 draw with Palermo. The Venezuela international currently plays (on loan) for Atlanta United in MLS and he made his debut for Gerardo Martino’s team against New York Red Bulls. Speaking of his international career, Martinez made his Venezuela debut against El Salvador, coming from the bench after 76 minutes.
On November 10, 2016 he scored a hat-trick for La Vinotinto in a thrilling 5-0 victory over Bolivia and it has to be noted that he has four caps (two goals) for Venezuela U20 team.
Highlighted Team (DC United):
D.C. United have been participating in the Eastern Conference of the MLS since 1996. The capital club play their home games at RFK Stadium Washington and they are nicknamed the Black and Red. D.C. United won their fourth MLS Cup in 2004 and in 1998 the club clinched the Copa Interamericana trophy by beating Vasco da Gama of Brazil in the title game.
The Black and Red won the Eastern Conference on five occasions (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2004) and, as a result, they are regarded as one of the most successful clubs in the history of MLS.
Andy Najar, Eddie Pope, Jaime Moreno, John Harkes, Ryan Nelsen, Christian Gomez, Nick Rimando, Richie Williams, Clyde Simms, Tony Sanneh, Marco Etcheverry and Santino Quaranta are some of the club’s most famous players. Speaking of D.C. United fans, the club has four big supporters groups: La Norte, La Barra Brava, the Screaming Eagles and La Norte and the club’s mascot is Talon, the bald eagle.