Atlanta United FC will host Houston Dynamo FC in a Major League Soccer (MLS) clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. This cross-conference showdown is pivotal for both teams in their quest to qualify for the MLS Cup.
Atlanta United sits 13th in the Eastern Conference with 16 points, while Houston Dynamo is 7th in the Western Conference with 22 points.
Atlanta United's Form and Team News
Recent Form
Atlanta United has struggled this season, averaging just one point per game.
They have won only once in their last 11 league fixtures, losing six times and conceding 17 goals.
Despite this, they are only three points behind Nashville SC, who occupy the final MLS Cup playoff spot in their conference.
However, Atlanta has not won any of their last six home games, losing the last five consecutively.
Team News
The team will be without Tyler Wolff (knee injury) and Stian Gregersen (hamstring injury).
Additionally, several players, including Luis Abram, Thiago Almada, and Caleb Wiley, are on international duty.
Interim head coach Rob Valentino will lead the team after the recent sacking of Gonzalo Pineda.
Houston Dynamo's Form and Team News
Recent Form
Houston Dynamo has had a mixed season, winning just two of their last nine league games.
They have not won any of their last three away matches. Despite these struggles, they currently hold the 7th spot in the Western Conference, which would qualify them for the MLS Cup.
Houston has scored and conceded 18 goals this season, highlighting their balanced but inconsistent performance.
Team News
Houston will miss Nelson Quinones (knee injury), McKinze Gaines (hip injury), and Steve Clark (head injury). Coco Carrasquilla, Brooklyn Raines, and Xavier Valdez are also unavailable due to international commitments.
Head coach Ben Olsen, who had an impressive debut season, will look to improve on his team's recent form.
Prediction and Expected Lineups
Atlanta United: Cohen; Hernandez, Williams, Morales; Lennon, McCarty, Muyumba, Mosquera; Brennan, Thiare, Giakoumakis
Houston Dynamo: Tarbell; Dorsey, Sviatchenko, Bartlow, Steres; Artur, Herrera, Bassi; Aliyu, Kowalczyk, Blessing
Prediction
Given Atlanta's numerous absentees and their poor recent form, Houston Dynamo is favoured to win.
This fixture has historically been high-scoring, and fans can expect an entertaining clash.
Our Prediction: Atlanta United 1-3 Houston Dynamo
Atlanta 
Houston Dynamo 
