Our prediction for this MLS match:
Atlanta United
Match Time & Date:
20/06/2021
20:00
Prediction: 0-2
Philadelphia Union
Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union face each other in a highly-anticipated MLS game. The Five Stripes aim to extend their unbeaten run to five games, but they will have a mountain to climb in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium clash. Since star attacker Josef Martinez is on international duty with Venezuela, we do not believe that home win should be considered. Ronald Hernandez represents La Vinotinto at Copa America as well.
The U’s, on the other hand, are eyeing their fourth consecutive league win. Over the years Philadelphia have established themselves as one of the best sides in Eastern Conference, and given their rock-solid defence, we believe that there is a big value in betting on the visiting team. Jose Martinez is on international duty, while experienced midfielder Ilson remains on the sidelines through injury. In their last meeting in MLS Atlanta defeated Philadelphia, meaning that the visitors are hungry for revenge.
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 (Philadelphia Union):
Based in Chester, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Union is an American soccer club that compete in Major League Soccer. The U have been participating in MLS since 2010, but they have yet to win the domestic trophy. Philadelphia welcome their opponents at Talen Energy Stadium, the venue that was opened on June 27, 2010 and current capacity of the stadium is 18.500.
The U made it to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final on two occasions (2014, 2015), but they were beaten by Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City respectively in the title games. The likes of D.C. United and New York Red Bulls are regarded as the club’s fiercest rivals, but they share a rivalry with Seattle Sounders as well.
Philadelphia’s colors are navy blue and gold, but they wear white shirts and white socks when playing on the road. USA international Freddy Adu is one of the most notable footballers who player for the U in the past. The former Benfica man scored seven goals in 37 appearances for Philadelphia Union in MLS.
