Match Preview: Atlanta United hosts FC Cincinnati in Eastern Conference showdown

First Touches

• Atlanta United will wear the 17s' Kit | See the colors and learn the story
• 'Never take the game for granted' | Tristan Muyumba, Brad Guzan reflect on 2-2 draw with the Union
• Caleb Wiley was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for his golazo last weekend against Philadelphia Union
• We're celebrating Earth Day by giving away a bandana presented by Novelis made of 100% recycled materials. Get yours at the gate!

Match Details

• Date: Saturday, April 20
• Kickoff time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Celebrating: Earth Day, Kennesaw State alumni, supporters and students ticket pack

Attending the match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium? View our detailed timeline and things to do before kickoff

How to watch, listen and live stream Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati

• TV: Watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
• Listen: Local radio 92.9 The Game and La Mejor
• Live stream: Stream on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app or visit https://tv.apple.com/.
• Follow along: Follow the match with realtime stats and live play-by-play on our Matchday Hub page.

New Officiating Rules

This marks the first match that some new rules will be implemented. Here's a quick rundown:

• Off-Field Treatment Rule - If an injured player remains on the ground for more than 15 seconds, the referee will stop play to wave on the medical team to evaluate the injured player. When safe, the player can then be removed and evaluated further off the field for a minimum of two minutes.
• Timed Substitution Rule - A substituted player must leave the field within 10 seconds. Failure to do so will cause the new player to be held back from entering the pitch for 60 seconds.
• In-Stadium VAR Announcements - Similar to NFL games, VAR decisions will be announced by the referee to fans in-stadium and broadcast viewers at home.

Read a more thorough explanation on the new implemented rules here

Recent Form

Atlanta United has continued a good start to the MLS regular season. The team is unbeaten at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2024, which bodes well with three of the next four matches at home. Atlanta United has encountered some injuries, but may get some players back with striker Giorgos Giakoumakis, who returned to training this week, and winger Xande Silva listed as questionable on this week's Availability Report. On the other side, FC Cincinnati hasn't quite picked up where they left off in 2023 but remain toward the top of the Eastern Conference table. The Orange and Blue sit in fifth place with 12 points, one spot above and one point more than Atlanta United.

Series History and Last Meeting

Atlanta United owns the all-time series with a 5-2-5 record (W-L-T). The two teams met on Decision Day in 2023 and four first-half goals resulted in a 2-2 draw at TQL Stadium. The most recent meeting at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was last August. Atlanta United held a one-goal lead heading into the 75th minute. However, the Orange and Blue answered with two quick goals in the 75th and 80th minutes to steal points in Atlanta.

• Tools to the Match: How Atlanta picks up three points against tough Cincinnati team Saturday night

Players to Watch

Bartosz Slisz (Atlanta United) - Slisz doesn't jump off the stat sheet in terms of goals and assists, but the Polish international has been a consistent presence on the pitch for Atlanta United, especially defensively. He ranks third on the team in ball-winning actions (tackles + interceptions) and has been a major reason why Atlanta United is among the league's best in limiting opponents' quality chances. He'll have his hands full marking the 2023 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player, Luciano Acosta, but look for Slisz to anticipate interceptions that allow more possession for the home team.

Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati) - It might be a little odd at first seeing the longtime Atlanta United center back in a kit other than red and black at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Robinson, the club's first-ever MLS SuperDraft selection in 2017, played six seasons for Atlanta United (2018-2023) before signing with FC Cincinnati this offseason. Robinson has slotted right into the reigning Supporters' Shield winners, starting all seven of the matches he's played in. He'll go up against some familiar faces, but some new ones as well, as he faces his former team for the first time.