Our prediction for this MLS match:
Following a goalless draw with Chicago Fire, Atlanta United will look to return to winning ways in MLS when they host Seattle Sounders to their Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Five Stripes head into Saturday’s clash with a severely-weakened squad, with all Alonso, Castanheira, Guzan, Hernandez, Hyndman, Lennon, and Robinson missing out with injuries. As always, a man to watch in the home team will be Josef Martinez, who has netted five goals so far this season.
The Sounders, on the other hand, aim to build on a hard-fought 1-0 win over Dallas. Seattle quickly bounced back from a 2-1 loss to Los Angeles FC, but beating Atlanta on the road is easier said than done. A close encounter is on the cards at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and we believe that punters from all around the globe can find value in betting on draw. As for the visiting side, all Joao Paulo, Raul Ruidiaz, and Obed Vargas 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 (Seattle Sounders):
Seattle Sounders are an American soccer club that compete in the Western Conference of Major League Soccer. The Sounders are owned by the likes of Joe Roth, Paul Allen, Drew Carey and Adrian Hanauer and they play their home games at CenturyLink Field.
The club won the 2016 MLS Cup, with the team beating Toronto FC on penalties in the trophy game at BMO Field. Swiss goalkeeper Stefan Frei won the MVP honor after pulling off several brilliant saves in the 2016 MLS Cup final.
Winning of the MLS Cup is undisputedly the club’s biggest success, but it has to be noted that the Sounders clinched the Supporters’ Shield trophy in 2014. Seattle hold rivalry with Portland Timbers, but Vancouver Whitecaps are regarded as the club’s bitter rivals as well.
Experienced attacker Clint Dempsey is undisputedly the club’s most significant star and he has been playing for the CenturyLink Field outfit since 2014. He scored eight goals in the league in the 2016 season and, no doubt, he helped the Sounders win their first ever MLS Cup.