Attacking Atlanta can deliver fourth MLS away victory

MLS
Sky Sports Football, midnight Friday

Atlanta United have lit up the MLS Eastern Conference with their attacking style this season and the visitors could do some damage when they journey south to face Orlando.

The sides are battling for top-six places as they look to make the MLS Cup playoffs but Orlando earned 18 of their 29 points in their opening seven games and a continuation of their poor recent results will see them drop out of contention.

Atlanta are in much better form, winning four of their last five matches, but their ability to entertain has defined them in their debut season.

Coached by former Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino, United matches average 3.47 goals per game - the most of any team across both conferences. They lead the scoring charts in the MLS and both teams have scored in 14 of their 19 matches. That scenario is just a 4-9 shot for this match.

That looks short enough as Orlando are without star striker Cyle Larin, who has joined Canada's national team for the knockout stages of the Concacaf Gold Cup.

The Lions will instead look towards Colombian Carlos Rivas for goals, as well as former Premier League forward Giles Barnes and Brazilian star Kaka.

Atlanta will hand a debut to experienced goalkeeper Brad Guzan but he might not have too much to do in Larin's absence, with the bulk of the action likely to be played out in Orlando's half.

Martino's men registered a third away win of the season, and a first since April, when they beat Columbus Crew in their last road outing, and they look capable of recording another victory.

Recommendation
Atlanta
1pt 7-4 Betfred, Sky Bet

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