Our prediction for this MLS match:
Atlanta United
Match Time & Date:
17/07/2021
23:00
Prediction: 1-2
New England Revolution
Atlanta United will be aiming to put an end to their seven-game winless run in the MLS when they face New England Revolution at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Five Stripes are not enjoying a season to remember, and, to make things even worse for Gabriel Heinze, several first-team regulars represent United States of America at the 2021 Gold Cup finals. All Brad Guzan, George Bello, and Miles Robinson are on international duty, while Jake Mulraney is banned for the match. Josef Martinez, though, should return to contention after he represented Venezuela at Copa America.
Anyhow, home win should not be considered as the Give Stripes head into the match with a severely-weakened squad. The Revs aim to bounce back from a 3-2 loss to Toronto, and it seems as if they will not have a better chance than this to get back on course. Both Caicedo and Mafla remain on the sidelines with injuries for the visiting team, while Tajon Buchanan (Canada) and Matt Turner (USA) take part at the Gold Cup.
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 (New England Revolution):
Unlike famous NFL club New England Patriots, the Revolution have yet to win the domestic trophy. New England participated five times in the MLS Cup final, but they were more than fortunate not to lift the silverware. The Revs played their last final in 2014, with the team losing to LA Galaxy in the title game at StubHub Center. New England Revolution, though, clinched the North American SuperLiga trophy in 2008 and that is considered as the club’s biggest success.
It has to be noted that the Revs defeated Houston Dynamo on penalties in the final of the tournament. New England Revolution were founded in 1994 and Gillette Stadium is the home ground of the club. Legendary defender Alexi Lalas played for the Revolution (1996-1997) and he scored three goals for the Gillette Stadium outfit. Fellow USA ace Clint Dempsey was part of the team as well and you should know that he netted 25 goals in 71 league appearances for the club.
