Atlanta United FC (0-3-0) hosts Philadelphia Union (0-3-0) in an Eastern Conference battle at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Both teams are winless through three matches in the 2026 MLS season, making this a crucial early opportunity to secure points. Atlanta, under returning coach Tata Martino, seeks to leverage home advantage against a defensively solid but offensively struggling Union side led by Bradley Carnell. Expect a cautious, low-event game amid injuries and poor form.
Venue Location
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia. This 71,000-capacity venue, opened in 2017, features a retractable roof and is known for its electric atmosphere during Atlanta’s home games.
Kickoff is scheduled for
3:15 p.m. ET (12:15 p.m. PT). The match will be broadcast on FOX and Apple TV, with streaming options available.
Injury Report
Injuries are impacting both squads, potentially leading to rotated lineups and defensive vulnerabilities.
Atlanta United FC Injuries/Suspensions:
- Out: Jay Fortune (foot, expected return early April), Will Reilly (hamstring, early April), Dominik Chong Qui (knee, late April).
- Questionable: None reported.
- No suspensions.
Atlanta’s midfield depth is tested without Fortune and Reilly, forcing reliance on younger players or adjustments from Tata Martino.
Philadelphia Union Injuries/Suspensions:
- Out: Quinn Sullivan (knee, late March), Eddy Davis III (quad, late March).
- Questionable: Indiana Vassilev (nature unknown), Finn Sundstrom (nature unknown).
- No suspensions.
Philly’s attack is hampered without Sullivan, a key midfielder, and depth striker Davis. Olwethu Makhanya returns from suspension, bolstering defense.
Key
Player Matchups to Watch
This matchup highlights attacking threats against stout defenses, with star power on display despite early-season struggles.
- Alexey Miranchuk (Atlanta Midfielder) vs. Olwethu Makhanya (Philly Defender): Miranchuk, with two goals this season including a brace vs. RSL, brings creativity and set-piece danger. He’ll test Makhanya, Philly’s 21-year-old center back who’s impressed with composure but missed a game due to red card.
- Indiana Vassilev (Philly Midfielder) vs. Atlanta’s Midfield (e.g., Miguel Almirón): Vassilev, Philly’s lone goalscorer (a penalty), offers dynamism if fit. Almirón’s speed and experience could exploit gaps, but his form has been muted.
- Emmanuel Latte Lath (Atlanta Forward) vs. Japhet Sery Larsen (Philly Defender): Latte Lath’s physicality challenges Sery Larsen’s recovery pace in Philly’s backline.
These duels could dictate possession and scoring chances in a tightly contested affair.
Recent Team Forms
Both clubs are searching for their first win after tough starts.
Atlanta United FC (Last 3: L-L-L):
- March 7: 2-3 loss vs. Real Salt Lake (home) – Miranchuk brace, but defense conceded three.
- Feb. 28: 0-2 loss at San Jose Earthquakes – Outshot and shut out.
- Feb. 21: 0-2 loss at FC Cincinnati – Early goals doomed them.
Atlanta has scored twice but leaked seven, showing defensive issues under Martino.
Philadelphia Union (Last 3: L-L-L):
- March 7: 0-1 loss vs. San Jose Earthquakes (home) – Dominated possession but no breakthrough.
- March 1: 1-2 loss vs. New York City FC (home) – Vassilev PK, but late concession.
- Feb. 21: 0-1 loss at D.C. United – Former Union striker Tai Baribo scored the winner.
Philly’s lone goal was a penalty; they’ve been solid defensively but toothless upfront.
Series History
Philadelphia holds a slight edge in this rivalry since Atlanta’s 2017 entry. In 19 meetings:
- Atlanta United: 5 wins
- Philadelphia Union: 7 wins
- Draws: 7
- Goals: Atlanta 25, Philly 28 (average 2.79 goals per game)
Philly has won 2 of the last 3, including a 3-0 thrashing in April 2025. Atlanta’s home record vs. Philly: 3-2-4. Low-scoring trends prevail, with under 2.5 in 10 of 19 (52.6%).
Betting Trends
- Atlanta United: 0-3 ATS this season; 0-1 ATS at home. Under 2.5 in 2 of 3 (average 3 goals). Poor as favorites: 1-4 in last 5 home games. Conceded 2+ in all three matches.
- Philadelphia Union: 0-3 ATS; 0-2 ATS on road (one away game). Under 2.5 in all three (average 1.67 goals). Strong as underdogs: 3-1-1 in last 5 road underdog spots. One goal scored total.
- Head-to-Head Trends: Under 2.5 in 10 of 19 (52.6%); BTTS in 11 (57.9%). Philly 4-2-3 in last 9 visits to Atlanta.
- Overall MLS Trends (Early 2026): Home teams 15-12-3 (55% win rate); unders at 60% in low-scoring games. Struggling teams like these average 2.0 goals combined.
MATCH ODDS
Philadelphia Union + 155
Atlanta United FC + 150
Draw + 245
Over 2.5 – 125 Under 2.5 – 105
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026
