Our prediction for this MLS match:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host Thursday’s MLS game between Atlanta United and Cincinnati, the two teams who are eyeing a place in the playoffs. Atlanta are only point behind the playoffs berth, meaning that a win over Cincinnati could see them climb to top seven in the Eastern Conference. Since both Rolando Hernandez and Josef Martinez return from international duties, it is no wonder the Five Stripes are seen as hot favourites to win the midweek clash.
Cincinnati, on the other hand, desperately needed a win against Toronto, and they managed to get one, with the team putting an end to their three-game losing run. Anyhow, home win should be considered as Atlanta United have been impressive in the Major League Soccer since early August. As for the visiting team, Duvall is quarantined, while all Gyau, Stanko, and van der Werff are out of contention with injuries.
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 (FC Cincinnati):
FC Cincinnati will make their MLS debut in the 2019 season. Based in Ohio, the Orange and Blue are a team who is expected to play their home games at West End Stadium. However, seeing that the West End Stadium is still under construction, FC Cincinnati will welcome their rivals at Nippert Stadium at the start of the season.
The team’s home colors are orange and blue, whilst they wear white shirts and white shorts when playing on the travels. Justin Hoyte, who used to play for the likes of Arsenal and Middlesbrough in the Premier League is considered one of the team’s most famous footballers.
The Orange and Blue will make their MLS debut against Seattle Sounders, whilst they will play their first ever home game in the league against Portland Timbers. It has to be noted that FC Cincinnati has five supporters groups: Die Innestadt, The Legion, The Pride, Queen City and The Briogaid.