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

The visitors, meanwhile, shared the spoils with Charlotte FC last time out and will be eager to extend their unbeaten run to five games this weekend.

Match preview

Atlanta United were riding high two weeks ago after scoring five against the Portland Timbers. However, Gonzalo Pineda's side came crashing back down to earth with a disastrous 6-1 defeat at the hands of the Columbus Crew last weekend.

Atlanta boasted three wins and a draw from their first four matches of the season - and had won their past two by a combined margin of 8-1 - but they were no match for an inspired Columbus outfit in front of their home fans.

The defeat leaves the Five Stripes in third place in the Eastern Conference, two points adrift of the New England Revolution who replaced Pineda's men at the summit of the division as a result of the thumping from Columbus.

Atlanta will be confident they can bounce back in front of their own fans as they have one of the best home records in MLS, recording two wins and a draw from the three games played - only Los Angeles FC have a better return than that.

Meanwhile, the New York Red Bulls battled to earn a point away at Charlotte last time out at the Bank of America Stadium, after Elias Manoel's opener was cancelled out by an own goal from Andres Reyes.

It may a disappointing result to take for Gerhard Struber and his side, but nevertheless, that stalemate keeps New York unbeaten in their last four encounters.

The Metro have also shared the spoils with Minnesota United and Nashville FC during this run, as well as claiming their first victory of the season against Columbus Crew a fortnight ago.

Struber's men went into the interval trailing to Alexandru Matan's 33rd-minute opener before second-half strikes from Luquinhas and Dante Vanzeir turned the game on its head.

The Red Bulls enter this clash in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, although they are yet to win on their travels so far this campaign, drawing two and losing one of their three away games so far.

Atlanta United Major League Soccer form:

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New York Red Bulls Major League Soccer form:

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Team News

Gonzalo Pineda made seven changes to his side against Columbus after the likes of Luis Abram, Miles Robinson, Giorgos Giakoumakis and recent sensation Thiago Almada all received national team call-ups.

As a result, Noah Cobb made his MLS debut at the heart of the Atlanta defence, becoming the youngest player in club history to appear and start in a MLS game. However, those on international duty should be available for selection this weekend.

Osvaldo Alonso remains on the treatment table for Atlanta, as he is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a long-term knee issue.

As for the visitors, New York's duo of Serge Ngoma and Dru Yearwood are guaranteed absentees for this weekend's contest as they continue to battle with long-term muscle injuries.

Meanwhile, Cory Burke, Cristian Casseres and Steven Sserwadda should be available for selection after being away on international duty.

Atlanta United possible starting lineup:

Guzan; Gutman, Sanchez, Robinson, Lennon; Ibarra, Sejdic; Wiley, Almada, Araujo; Giakoumakis

New York Red Bulls possible starting lineup:

Carlos; D. Nealis, Reyes, S. Nealis; Harper, Amaya, Edelman, Tolkin; Luquinhas, Casseres, Burke

We say: Atlanta United 2-0 New York Red Bulls

We are expecting Atlanta to respond to the heavy defeat they suffered against Columbus, and the Five Stripes are still unbeaten on home soil, so we think that they will have enough to edge this contest.

On the contrary, New York are yet to win on their travels, and despite the defeat last week, Atlanta have started the season in an impressive manner.

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