Preview: Atlanta United vs. New York Red Bulls - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts can move within five points of their forthcoming opponents with a victory, having played one game fewer than them, too.

Match preview

Despite being second-bottom of the Eastern Conference, Atlanta are only four points outside of the play-off positions, having played one game fewer than sixth-placed Orlando City and seventh-placed Inter Miami.

Since joining the MLS in 2017, Atlanta have qualified for the play-offs in four of their five seasons, sensationally winning the MLS Cup in only their second ever campaign in 2018.

However, The Five Stripes have found things tougher going this time around, with only two wins from their past 10 games seeing them struggle to keep pace with the play-off chasing sides.

There is still plenty of time for Gonzalo Pineda's side to make up ground, though, with their next two fixtures against NY Red Bulls and Columbus Crew - two sides currently sitting inside the top seven places - potentially pivotal in terms of determining whether they can do so between now and the end of the regular campaign.

Having scored two late goals in their last two fixtures to claim an additional three points on the board, there is clearly plenty of belief within Atlanta's ranks that they can salvage their season.

NY Red Bulls, meanwhile, are still chasing a first ever MLS Cup triumph in what is now their 27th season competing in the MLS.

Despite topping the Eastern Conference in six of their 26 previous campaigns - as well as the overall leaderboard on three of those occasions - The Red Bulls have consistently fallen short at the play-off stage, with their 3-1 defeat to Columbus in the 2008 final the closest they have come to breaking their hoo-doo.

Heading to Atlanta on Wednesday, NY Red Bulls have a four-point cushion ahead of New England in eighth place, so Gerhard Struber's side clearly remain on course to qualify for the play-offs for the 13th successive season.

Should they make it, which is no guarantee despite their healthy position of course, the former Barnsley boss will be determined to at least guide his side beyond the first round, where they have been knocked out in each of the last three seasons.

With only one point from their last three matches, though, the 45-year-old must focus his players' attentions on short-term success to ensure they do not fall short of the mark.

Atlanta United Major League Soccer form:

New York Red Bulls Major League Soccer form:

New York Red Bulls form (all competitions):

Team News

Atlanta remain without club captain Brad Guzan after the former Aston Villa goalkeeper ruptured his Achilles tendon.

Loanee stopper Rocco Rios Novo will continue to deputise in goal, but Emerson Hyndman (hamstring), Osvaldo Alonso (ACL), Dylan Castanheira and Miles Robinson (both Achilles) are all set to miss out.

Josef Martinez could return to lead the line having only been utilised from the bench last time out in the 2-2 draw at Cincinnati.

NY Red Bulls, on the other hand, do not appear to have any injury concerns restricting Struber's selection choices.

Having blanked in their last two matches, the former Barnsley boss will be challenging the likes of Luquinhas, Lewis Morgan and Patryk Klimala to deliver in front of goal, otherwise changes could be imminent in the near future.

Atlanta United possible starting lineup:

Rios Novo; Sanchez, Franco, Gutman; Lennon, Almada, Sosa, Wiley; Araujo, Martinez, Moreno

New York Red Bulls possible starting lineup:

Carlos; Duncan, Nealis, Long, Tolkin; Casseres, Yearwood; Luquinhas, Amaya, Morgan; Klimala

We say: Atlanta United 2-1 New York Red Bulls

Atlanta's form has improved slightly of late, and we can envisage them closing the gap on the play-off spots with a narrow victory.

On paper, they have more talented attackers than their opponents, which could prove crucial alongside having home advantage.

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