FC Cincinnati will look to find some solid ground after a streak of disappointing results when the team travels to Atlanta for a matchup against the Five Stripes. FCC is currently in the throes of a three-match winless streak, with two of those matches being losses to New York Red Bulls and CF Montreal.
For the vast majority of the season, FCC has looked beyond anemic on offense but usually great on defense. Concerning the former, nothing has changed lately, and it has even seemed to get worse. Nobody is passing the ball to striker Aaron Boupendza even though he looks to be getting into some decent positions. That has started to make FCC look extremely one-dimensional, always looking to Lucho Acosta in any situation.
The offense won’t have it easy this week, either. Atlanta United is tied for first with multiple teams, including FCC, in the least goals allowed so far this season with seven in seven matches played. Their defense has done a great job keeping the opposition out of goal.
However, their Expected Goals Allowed shows that they might be getting a little lucky, as their xGA is actually 9.5, whereas FCC’s is 8.4, with both of those stats per Football Reference.
For the FCC defense, statistically, it appears to be one of the best in the league. It should be when it has Miles Robinson and Matt Miazga back there. However, there have been some definite hiccups at the back, especially in the last couple of weeks, that have made the best part of the team sputter. If FCC is to weather this storm it seems to be in, the defense needs to figure out what’s going on.
The Opposition
Atlanta United is currently sixth on the Eastern Conference table with 11 points on the season and a record of 3-2-2. They are 3-1-0 at home and have scored 12 goals.
Atlanta United has been without star striker Giorgios Giakoumakis for the last couple of matches, but should reportedly be available for the Five Stripes in Saturday’s matchup. This will be a big boost for their attack and nails on the chalkboard for FCC fans, as Atlanta is a much stronger team with him in the lineup.
Giakoumakis is Atlanta’s leading scorer with five goals, which is significant considering he has only made four appearances so far this season. FCC will have its hands full on Saturday.
That is all to not mention Thiago Almada, who is one of the best creator’s in the entire league. Almada has so far only scored once and assisted twice, but he will surely be pulling the strings for the Five Stripes.
According to WhoScored.com, Atlanta United is very good at attacking down the wings, creating chances through individual skill and defending set pieces.
The site also said Atlanta’s weaknesses include avoiding individual errors and stopping the opponents from creating chances. If these weaknesses are to be believed, Acosta and Orellano should have a good night creating chances for those up top.
WhoScored.com also said that Atlanta takes a lot of shots, attempts a lot of through balls and plays a non-aggressive style.
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