Our prediction for this MLS match:
All eyes will be on Mercedes-Benz Stadium when Atlanta United and Los Angeles square off against each other in what is expected to be an entertaining MLS clash. The Five Stripes aim to build on a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew, and we are positive that they will stick to their attacking style of play. A man to keep an eye on in the home team will be Ezequiel Barco, who scored a brace in the triumph over Columbus, while important attacker Josef Martinez, who has recently returned to the starting XI, is out of contention through suspension.
Los Angeles FC, on the other hand, aim to make amends for a 2-1 loss to San Jose Earthquakes. Considering that Carlos Vela and Co. are determined to return to winning ways, both teams to score betting option should be considered. Both Opoku and Segura are likely to miss the game 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 (Los Angeles FC):
Seeing that Los Angeles FC will be competing in Major League Soccer from the 2018 season, the club chiefs did well to reinforce the squad. Several high-profile players joined the club in the winter of 2018, with Mexican ace Carlos Vela being the biggest name to sign a deal with LAFC.
The new expansion team will host their rivals at Banc of California, the stadium which is planned to be opened on April 29, 2018. The venue should hold up to 22,000 spectators. Los Angeles FC will be coached by Bob Bradley in the 2018 MLS campaign and they will be wearing black and gold kits in the USA professional soccer league. Speaking of their bitterest rivals, there will be fireworks when Los Angeles FC face LA Galaxy in the Major League Soccer.
District 9 Ultras and Black Army 1850 are considered the club's biggest supporters groups and it has to be noted that they used to support Chivas USA. Los Angeles FC were founded on October 30, 2014.