Atlanta United is searching for its first road win of the season and heads just a couple hours north this weekend to take on Nashville SC. After picking up a clean sheet last weekend, the 5-Stripes look to ignite the attack on Saturday night. It won’t be easy as Nashville sits in third place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Music City side is also just four points behind the Supporters’ Shield leaders Philadelphia Union. With just seven matches remaining this season, Atlanta needs to stack as many wins as possible to close out the year. Let’s take a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot against Nashville SC.
Stay compact defensively
Last time out, Atlanta’s defense put together one of its better performances of the season when it kept a clean sheet against Toronto FC. Jayden Hibbert started in goal and only needed to make two saves to earn that clean sheet. The backline, which saw Stian Gregersen and Enea Mihaj start at center back, was solid all night long. The defensive midfield also did a good job of protecting the backline and not allowing Toronto’s attackers a lot of time and space in the attacking third. That kind of defensive effort will be needed again this weekend as they face a much more potent attack in Nashville. If Atlanta can stay compact early on and weather the attacking waves to start the match, it will have set a foundation for a positive result.
Disrupt the Surridge-Mukhtar connection
Since he joined Nashville in 2020, Hany Mukhtar has been a thorn in Atlanta’s side. The German attacking midfielder has produced 14 goal contributions in just 12 regular season matches. This season, the former MLS MVP has been rounding back into his top form with 14 goals and 11 assists on the campaign. He’s also found an attacking running mate who has been in Golden Boot form in striker Sam Surridge. The English forward has netted 20 goals in 28 matches this season. If Atlanta wants to pick up three points this weekend, it will have to keep a close eye on Nashville’s dynamic front duo.
Take advantage of chances
One of the keys to securing victory on Saturday night will be to take advantage of the clear-cut scoring chances the team is able to create. The 5-Stripes are converting 68.8% of their clear-cut chances this season, which ranks top-five in MLS coming into the weekend. Against a very stout Nashville defense, it will be tough to create a lot of clear-cut scoring chances. When they come around, Atlanta has to capitalize on them and put Nashville under pressure to chase the game. If Atlanta’s chance creation and finishing is on point, it will give itself the best chance of bringing home three points.
Fans can tune in on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. ET when the action kicks off at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee. To hear the action on radio, tune into Sports Radio 92.9 The Game (English) or La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish).
