MLS returns this weekend after a six-week pause for the World Cup and Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC should renew their bid for glory with an entertaining win over lowly Atlanta United.
With the club action out of the limelight in the US this summer due to the World Cup, MLS is now ready to restart and there's a juicy Southern showdown between Nashville and Atlanta at Geodis Park coming up.
Nashville, who sit top in the East and are also leading the fight to win the Supporters' Shield, are favourites, while Atlanta, who have only won three games all season, are in desperate need of a pick-me-up.
Nashville SC v Atlanta United Tips Summary
Best Bet - Nashville SC to win and both teams to score @ 11/5
Alternative Bet - Sam Surridge to score anytime @ 4/7
Bet Builder - Nashville SC to win, Over 2 total goals & Hany Mukhtar 3+ shots @ 17/10
Nashville SC v Atlanta United Prediction
Best Bet: Nashville SC to win and both teams to score @ 11/5
Nashville lead the way in MLS, sitting top in the overall table and they are two points clear in the Eastern Conference going into the restart.
A fine record of 10 wins from 14, with just one defeat, has left them in great shape for an expected play-off place as they chase a first-ever MLS Cup title.
BJ Callaghan's side have amassed 33 points - which is the joint-best start of any team in MLS in 25 years - to underline just how good they have been and they should be able to demonstrate their title credentials with a home win over Atlanta.
The visitors, in contrast, have struggled badly. Nine defeats from their 14 matches so far tells its own story and United were on a four-game winless run before the league was paused for the World Cup at the end of May.
Atlanta have averaged exactly a goal per game but have only failed to find the back of the net in one of their last eight outings so they can at least breach the Nashville backline, although they do not look equipped enough to claim a shock victory.
Alternative Bet: Sam Surridge to score anytime @ 4/7
English striker Sam Surridge is enjoying himself in MLS, scoring nine goals in eight league appearances for Nashville this season.
The former Bournemouth, Stoke City and Nottingham Forest forward has been a key man for the leaders throughout the campaign and he will be eager to get going again after watching on while the World Cup has taken precedence in recent weeks.
Nashville SC v Atlanta United Bet Builder Tip
Nashville SC to win
Over 2 total goals
Hany Mukhtar 3+ shots
Pays 17/10
A home win is expected as the leaders look to get back up and running in the smoothest way possible, while we should see at least three goals at Geodis Park on Friday night.
Nashville's last four games have all had three or more goals in, while three of Atlanta's last five outings have featured three or more goals too.
The final leg of the Bet Builder is for Hany Mukhtar to have at least three shots - something he has managed in three of his last four MLS games for the hosts.
Mukhtar is one of Nashville's most important players, with six goals and four assists this term, and he can step up again to ensure the Eastern Conference leaders are back up and running with an important win over their southern rivals.
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Key Match Stats
Nashville lead the way in the Supporters' Shield race with an MLS-best 33 points
Atlanta are second-bottom in the Eastern Conference with just 11 points from 14 matches
Nashville won their last three games prior to to the break for the World Cup
Atlanta are on a four-game winless streak
Atlanta have won just one of the last five meetings between the sides
Nashville have never been MLS champions
Atlanta have won MLS once - in 2018
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
