In search of a third consecutive league victory, Atlanta United play host to Toronto FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the visiting team are on a barren run of four games without a win coming into the clash and will seek to return to winning ways.
Match preview
With a 1-0 triumph over Los Angeles FC on Sunday, Atlanta United made it back-to-back wins to brighten the mood following a 12-game winless streak prior to that.
Josef Martinez struck within a minute of the second half to secure a huge win for Gonzalo Pineda in his first game at the helm of affairs.
The Five Stripes are now just five points off the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and looked to have turned a corner in recent weeks.
Up next for them is a tricky assignment against an opposing side who have come out on top in four of the last five meetings between the teams, including both of last season’s encounters.
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The teams
Toronto failed to win on home turf for the seventh game on the trot as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to league leaders New England Revolution.
Javier Perez‘s men found themselves behind in the first half thanks to Tajon Buchanan‘s opener, but they hit back in the 79th-minute through Jonathan Osorio, before Gustavo Bou netted the winner from the spot four minutes later.
The Reds remain rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings despite having played two more games than the other teams in the bottom three.
With a league-high tally of 40 goals conceded, Thursday’s visitors need to shore up at the back if they are to turn their season around.
Atlanta United possible starting lineup:
Guzan; Bello, Walkes, Franco, Robinson, Hernandez; Moreno, Sosa, Rossetto; Barco, Martinez
Toronto possible starting lineup:
Bono; Lawrence, Zavaleta, Gonzalez, Laryea; Delgado, Bradley, Pozuelo; Soteldo, Osorio, Altidore
Atlanta United vs Toronto FC: prediction
We say: Atlanta United 2-1 Toronto
The hosts come into this one with a spring in their step following their recent upturn in form. On the other hand, the visitors are going through a rough patch at the moment, and we are tipping the home team to claim all three points.
Atlanta United vs Toronto FC: where to watch?
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