Fatigue is going to be a major factor for DC United going into a game with Atlanta United on Sunday afternoon. While both teams have played midweek games, Atlanta had the luxury of playing at home on Wednesday and they will host this match. Meanwhile, DC United must face FC Cincinnati on the road on Thursday night before traveling to Hotlanta for this match and will have less than 72 hours of rest between games. That has led to oddsmakers installing the Five Stripes as heavy favorites per the MLS betting odds.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 21, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Atlanta United -163
DC United +380
Draw +315
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
Atlanta United had their share of struggles earlier in the month, but they are feeling great after blasting the Houston Dynamo 5-0 on Wednesday night. The Dynamo’s Alberth Elis picked up two quick yellow cards inside of six minutes after making contact with a referee following a hard foul, and the rout was on from there. Josef Martinez tallied a brace, while Darlington Nagbe, Brandon Vazquez, and Julian Gressel all added goals.
Since joining the league, Atlanta United have led the league in attendance, and their rowdy fans make playing there difficult. The Five Stripes have a 7-1-3 record at home this season, and Atlanta are 29-6-10 at home in regular season league games all-time.
The most successful team in the Eastern Conference continues to spin its gears in recent weeks. DC United are 1-2-6 in their last nine matches, and they are slight underdogs coming into their game with FC Cincinnati on Thursday night.
This is the second match between these two clubs this season. DC United knocked off Atlanta United 2-0 in the season opener with goals from Paul Arriola and Luciano Acosta.
Key Absences
The bad news for Atlanta is that this team is very banged up ahead of this game. Midfielders Kevin Kratz and Ezequiel Barco are out, and defenders George Bello, Florentin Pogba, and Brek Shea are out too. Shea tore his ACL last weekend, so he will be lost for the season and the veteran will be missed. Forward Hector Villalba is also out with a knee injury, while defender Mikey Ambrose is questionable with thigh spasms.
Oniel Fisher will miss this match for DC United, but fellow defender Chris Odoi-Atsem may finally return from a hip injury that has plagued him. He is listed as questionable.
Player to Watch
Josef Martinez is back to tearing up the league. Martinez has the second-most goals in the MLS this season, and he has proven he can do it without a playmaking midfielder setting him up. Miguel Almiron is gone, Ezequiel Barco and Hector Villalba are out, and Pity Martinez hasn’t lived up to his reputation, but Martinez continues to pour in the goals. He has 15 goals in 18 league games this season.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
There is a silver lining for DC United coming into this game. Luciano Acosta will be back in the lineup after serving a two-match suspension for a red card incurred two weeks ago. Acosta is arguably the most talented player on the team, and when he, Arriola, and Wayne Rooney are clicking, DC United are dangerous.
That trio hasn’t been clicking in recent weeks, so I’m going to go against the Black and Red, but I think the game will be competitive with Atlanta winning late.
Major League Soccer Odds: Atlanta United 2, DC United 1
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
