Off the back of a “cupset” versus Memphis 901 FC, Atlanta United travel to Nashville looking to reignite the offense and return to form.
Matchday 9 Preview: Nashville SC
Nine games into the season, Nashville finds themselves in 6th place in the East after three wins, losses, and draws (12 points). After winning two of their first three games of the season, they have only managed one win in their last six games.
The offense for Nashville has been suboptimal averaging less than a goal per game. They rank near the bottom in the league in expected goals, shots on target, and chances created. Possession has not been a strong suit for the offense with an average of 45.1% possession controlled.
The lackluster offense has been protected by the league-leading defense from Gary Smith’s men. Nashville boasts the least amount of goals conceded with five, conceding 0.6 goals per match. That tally includes a league-leading five clean sheets.
Reigning MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar has led from the front this season. He leads Nashville with three goals and three assists. Containing him is key to any success Atlanta enjoys.
Part of the reason Nashville’s defense has been able to be effective this season is the continuity of the backline. Daniel Lovitz, Jack Maher, Shaq Moore, and goalkeeper Joe Willis have started and played all 90 minutes of all nine games.
Walker Zimmerman has also started all nine games but was substituted in the previous league match with tightness in his groin. Zimmerman’s status is up in the air leading into the match. His inclusion is always a positive for Nashville given his pedigree. The continuity in the backline could be threatened by his absence.
Atlanta United
Atlanta United is freshly removed from a thrilling victory over the Chicago Fire. That was followed by a melancholy loss to Memphis 901 FC in the U.S. Open Cup. The lineup for the cup match was heavily rotated, but over 120 minutes, the same issues persisted with the Atlanta attack. The introduction of many starters did not reverse fortune as they bowed out of the U.S. Open Cup.
The offense has come at a premium in recent weeks. The possession-dominant and free-flowing offense has been missing in recent weeks. There have been obstacles to achieving that such as playing in Yankee Stadium and going down to 10 men. Being out-possessed by Memphis 901 doesn’t paint a pretty picture of the offense.
Player availability has also been a factor in recent weeks, but it looks to be an issue that is over the horizon for Atlanta. Giorgos Giakoumakis is the remaining lingering injury whose status remains day-to-day. He started last week’s match before being removed nearly an hour into the game.
Nashville’s dominant defense doesn’t provide hope for an Atlanta offensive turnaround, but an opportunity could present itself due to Nashville’s play style. An absence from Zimmerman would add to that opportunity.
Nashville will cede possession to Atlanta garnering them ample opportunities on the ball. Either by skill or by volume the Atlanta offense should have a chance to right itself.
Starting XI
The form of the team could lead to lineup surprises. The defense should remain consistent with Andrew Gutman, Juanjo Purata, Miles Robinson, and Clement Diop in goal, but there could be a surprise at the right-back position.
Following the match against Memphis, Gonzalo Pineda spoke on the heavily rotated lineup and credited it in part to rewarding performances in training. That comment and Ronald Hernandez’s individual performance could see him introduced into the lineup with Brooks Lennon moving further up the pitch in place of Luiz Araujo.
If it doesn’t come in the form of a defensive change, there still could be a change on the wings with Caleb Wiley’s reintroduction on the left wing moving out Derrick Etienne.
Giako missing a match could lead to a surprise up top as well. Miguel Berry has been lackluster in his performances so far which could lead Pineda to look elsewhere.
Going into Nashville will not be an easy test for Atlanta United given its current form. A win, or even a draw, could go a long way as Atlanta plays their next two matches against Charlotte, placed 11th, and Inter Miami, placed 14th.
Atlanta United (5-3-1) vs Nashville SC (3-3-3)
- When: April 29th, 1:30 EST
- Where: GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee
- How to Watch: MLS Season Pass – Apple TV+, Free – Fox
For more information on Atlanta United this season, click the links below;
For more football news this season, click the link below;
Check out Area Sports Network on Twitter & Instagram and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel. We just hit 1k subscribers and look to continue to grow the channel. Stay tuned for more content going forward!
