LA Galaxy's poor away form to continue in Atlanta

Second place in the Eastern Conference takes on third in the West, with both sides having won two and last two in their four latest MLS matches. Recent home form for the hosts and away form for the visitors suggests that Atlanta United should make light work of LA Galaxy, however can Zlatan Ibrahimovic rise to the occasion like he did in the Los Angeles derby? A minor setback in an excellent match last time out for Atlanta saw them go down 4-3 away at high flying Los Angeles FC, they will be confident of getting back on track with a win here.

Recent form

United are unbeaten in their last nine matches at home, winning eight of them and managing to score first in every single one. Four of their last six clashes have brought over 4.5 goals and there have been two or more total goals in all of their last 11 games. We could be on the cusp of a high-scoring affair given the attacking strength of these two franchises. Galaxy have been poor on the road of late, comprehensively beaten in their last two trips, three and four nil by San Jose Earthquakes and Portland Timbers respectively. The only two meetings between these two have been dominated by Atlanta, winning 4-0 and 2-0. Josef Martinez broke the deadlock inside the first 30 minutes on both occasions, and the Venezuelan has scored eight goals in his last six matches. He is 2/5 to score at anytime and 19/10 to get the opener.

The hosts know how to close out a game as well, having found the net not once but twice beyond the 75^th minute in their last three games consecutively. Whereas the Galaxy have conceded twice beyond the 80^th minute in their last two away games, does not bode well.

Josef Martinez

Having recently overtaken Ibrahimovic in the scoring charts, the 26-year-old is looking unplayable and was MLS’ top goal getter in last years’ competition, of which Atlanta were crowned MLS Cup champions. Individual competition can bring the best out of Zlatan although this will be a bridge too far, such is the class of Martinez and Atlanta’s intimidating home form. A heavy defeat here could see LA Galaxy boss Guillermo Barros Schelotto under pressure having seen his side slide down the Western Conference in recent weeks.

Galaxy will be put to the sword by Atlanta’s quality in attack and though they will create chances and find the net, will be outscored by the reigning champions in what will be a very entertaining matchup on Saturday night.

Atlanta United – LA Galaxy Betting Tip

Atlanta United to Win + Atlanta United to Score Over 1.5 goals with Betway at odds of 21/25.

Bet Atlanta United to Win + Atlanta United to Score Over 1.5 goals on Betway