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Steffen Schmidt - February 22, 2023
Atlanta United vs San Jose Earthquakes
USA MLS
Date: 26 February 2023, Sunday
Kick-off at 00:30 UK / 01:30 CET
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta).
Atlanta United are ready for the new era without a long-term talisman Josef Martinez in the squad. The striker has made a move to Inter Miami in between the two seasons.
The Five Stripes also have the new president and CEO, meaning the club is clearly moving in new direction, aiming to significantly improve the poor campaign in the previous term of the competition.
Atlanta United came only 11th on the East last season, missing out on the playoffs for the second time in the last three seasons.
They will enter the 2023 campaign with sky-high ambitions and they have probably one of the easiest fixtures to start with, a home clash against San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday evening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
San Jose have been the worst team on the West last year, finishing the campaign with just 8 wins in 34 outings.
The ‘Quakes had by far the weakest defensive record in the Western Conference last season, conceding 69 goals in 34 outings.
This will be the music to the ears of Atlanta United’s newest addition, Georgios Giakoumakis. The striker was brought from Celtic in a $5.3 million move this winter.
The likes of Luiz Araujo and Thiago Almada were on target in Atlanta United’s 1-2 win over St. Louis City in the last weekend’s final preseason check.
Atlanta United are clear favorites here but we would not be surprised to see the visitors getting on the scoreline as well knowing the Five Stripes have allowed three or more goals in three of the previous four preseason friendlies.
Atlanta United to win & Both Teams To Score is thus the way to go at the 2.87 odds, while we also like the 2.30 odds offered for Luiz Araujo to score anytime for the hosts.
