FC Cincinnati - Atlanta United 03/22/25

International break or not, MLS rolls on, and this weekend an interesting matchup awaits at TQL Stadium when FC Cincinnati hosts Atlanta United. The home team is looking for a long-awaited upturn after some weak results, while Atlanta is trying to find stability under Ronny Deila's leadership. Both teams have their strengths offensively, but also clear weaknesses at the back - this smells of a match with chances and goals both ways.

FC Cincinnati: Can they find stability again?

Cincinnati was one of the big positive surprises in MLS last season, but the start of 2025 has been more of a mixed bag. They have won two of their four league games, but were recently eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup and were coming off a disappointing loss in MLS last weekend. With two straight losses, they need a turnaround to get back to the rhythm that made them a contender last year.

The offensive production has suffered since the club's big star left last winter, but Kevin Denkey has proven to be an exciting addition. Together with Yuya Kubo and Evander, he forms a trio that has the potential to cause headaches for the Atlanta defense. However, the problem has been the defensive organization. They have conceded goals in three of four games, and they don't seem to have completely found the balance in the team.

They have traditionally been strong at home at TQL Stadium, but this season it hasn't been as convincing. Now they face an Atlanta team that is still in the building phase, but certainly has enough quality to cause Cincinnati more trouble.

Atlanta United: New season, new challenges

Ronny Deila has had a challenging start as manager of Atlanta United. The team has only one win in its first four games, but there is clear potential in this team. Especially offensively, they have many exciting pieces, and there is little doubt that when they find the chemistry, they can become a real threat in the Eastern Conference.

One of the most exciting players is Emmanuel Latte Lath, who has made a good start and has already shown that he can be a key player. With creative players like Miguel Almiron and Aleksei Miranchuk behind him, Atlanta certainly has the tools to create big chances. The challenge is at the back of the field, where they have conceded goals in three of their four games. Even in the win against Montreal (3-2), they were vulnerable.

Atlanta has also had a tougher schedule than many other teams due to their participation in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. They have played two fewer league games than Cincinnati, which means they are still in a phase where they are trying to find their rhythm in the league. So far, they have been involved in some entertaining games, and this one should be no exception.

Conclusion

This matchup has all the ingredients to be an open and promising match. Cincinnati is hungry for revenge and wants to reverse a negative trend, while Atlanta is still trying to find stability under Deila. Both teams have offensive profiles that can cause trouble for the opposing defense, while both have struggled to keep a clean sheet.

Cincinnati has the home field advantage, but Atlanta has enough weapons to punish them. When two teams with defensive weaknesses and offensive strengths meet, there tend to be goals. We expect a game where both teams get on the scoresheet.

Bet suggestions

MLS at 19:30 – FC Cincinnati – Atlanta United: Both teams to score (1.60)

Alternative game:

MLS at 19:30 – FC Cincinnati – Atlanta United: Over 1.5 goals Atlanta United (2.80)

Long shot:

MLS at 19:30 – FC Cincinnati – Atlanta United: Emmanuel Latte Lath scores anytime (3.20)

We think this will be an entertaining match with chances and goals. Marking play is difficult to predict, but it seems likely that it will be a slam dunk at both ends.