Two teams looking to bounce back from defeats will go head-to-head as FC Cincinnati welcome Atlanta United to TQL Stadium for their latest MLS fixture on Saturday.

Match preview

Cincinnati's struggles on the road were evident once again as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Charlotte FC last time out, conceding twice in the early stages of the second half.

Their away woes are not confined to the MLS, having also suffered a 3-1 loss at Tigres UANL in the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 tie, resulting in a 4-2 aggregate exit from the competition.

Currently sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference with six points, Pat Noonan's side have claimed both their league victories at home, and that should give them confidence in halting their losing streak as they return to TQL Stadium this weekend.

Cincy remain unbeaten at home this season, winning two and drawing two of their four matches across all competitions – however, both draws came in the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Despite their strong home form, Cincinnati have historically struggled against Atlanta on their own turf, winning just one of six encounters (D3, L2), though their sole victory came in their most recent home clash with the Five Stripes – a 1-0 triumph in May last year.

Since an entertaining 3-2 victory over CF Montreal in their opening MLS fixture, Atlanta United have struggled for form, suffering two defeats either side of a goalless draw.

Ronny Deila's men have found goals hard to come by in recent outings, failing to score in a 2-0 defeat to Charlotte and their stalemate with New York Red Bulls, and although they ended their goal drought by taking the lead against Inter Miami last time out, they ultimately succumbed to a 2-1 loss.

It has been a tough start to the campaign for Atlanta, who sit 12th in the Eastern Conference with just four points, but their position could worsen as they head into another tricky away fixture, given their poor form on the road.

The Five Stripes have lost their last two MLS away matches, dating back to last season, and have suffered three defeats in their last four trips.

Having lost both meetings with Cincinnati in 2023 – the first time they had suffered back-to-back defeats in this fixture – Atlanta are now at risk of losing three successive matches against their hosts for the first time in history.

FC Cincinnati possible starting lineup:

Celentano; Engel, Hadebe, Robinson,Yedlin; Bucha, Nwobodo; Evander, Kubo, Orellano; Baird

Atlanta United possible starting lineup:

Guzan; Lennon, Edwards, Williams, Amador; Slisz, Mosquera; Silva, Miranchuk, Lobzhanidze; Latte Lath