Seattle Sounders FC vs. Atlanta United Prediction, Preview and Odds - 5/23/21
The biggest MLS match of the week will take place in front of a nationally televised audience on Sunday afternoon when Atlanta United travels to Seattle. Atlanta is coming off a thrilling home win and is in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The Sounders sit atop the Western Conference and are unbeaten in 2021.
Atlanta hopes to avoid road struggles
Atlanta United comes into this match with only one loss in 2021—a 2-1 setback at New England on May 1. It has certainly had some road struggles this season, though, drawing twice to go along with that loss. Home matches have been a different story. Atlanta picked up a 3-1 win over Chicago in April and then played a thrilling 1-0 match last weekend. Marcelino Moreno netted a header in the second minute of stoppage time, sending 40,000 fans into a craze. It capped off a match where Atlanta held a possession advantage of 63-37.
It was just the third goal in three matches for an Atlanta offense that has higher expectations than that. Goalie Brad Guzan notched the shutout, saving a potential equalizer just before the final whistle. The biggest news for Atlanta this year has been the return of striker Josef Martinez, who tore his ACL in the opening match of 2020. He would miss the entire season. Martinez has 78 goals in 89 career matches, making him one of the most explosive players in league history. He is still working his way back into form, but his full 90 minutes last weekend is a great sign.
Seattle looks to continue strong play
Seattle will put its unbeaten record to the test in front of a FOX crowd on Sunday afternoon. The Sounders are leading the MLS with a four-point cushion over the LA Galaxy. They played three matches in seven days last week, winning all three. The first win came in a 2-1 final at Portland, the second was a 1-0 win over San Jose and the last one was a 2-0 decision against rival LAFC. Xavier Arreaga and Brad Smith both scored second-half goals for the Sounders in a game that ended with both teams tallying three shots on goal. LAFC held a 54-46 advantage in possession.
The Sounders have moved to a new 3-5-2 formation after losing star Jordan Morris to an ACL injury. They have been able to get Smith involved on many occasions, as he has three goals in six matches. Alex Roldan has two assists in his new role in the wider areas of the field. Seattle’s defense has been the real story, allowing just two goals in six matches. Neither of those goals came from open play. Veteran goalie Stefan Frei is out for four to six weeks with a sprained knee. Stefan Cleveland served as the replacement against LAFC, notching a clean sheet in his first MLS match since 2018.
Side: Atlanta +400
I am loving this hefty underdog price on Atlanta United. It is the second-largest price on any underdog in the MLS this week, which is ludicrous. Martinez is finally getting back into match shape and will be thoroughly involved in front of a national audience on Sunday. The Sounders have been able to mask over the issue of not having Morris, but I think it becomes a bigger problem against a quality team like Atlanta. Seattle was also out-possessed last week and only had three shots on target, so the final score was a little misleading.
Total: Over 2.5
I am expecting fireworks from both sides on Sunday in a match that should certainly have three goals scored. Seattle might be without Morris, but it has proven that there are several other capable goal-scorers on the roster. Atlanta’s offense is very close to clicking with Martinez back in the fold—this could be the match it catches fire. One aspect that people are not talking about is Seattle having to use a backup goalie. Cleveland had a nice match last week, but he only saw three shots on target. He has been out of commission for several years and now has to face one of the most dynamic strikers in MLS history.