Atlanta United vs. Philadelphia Union – Prediction (25.10.2019) MLS play-offs quarter-finals

Preview and Teams Comparison.

Atlanta United haven’t won three consecutive MLS fixtures since September, but have lost just once against Philadelphia Union (W3, D2, L1). Despite that defeat coming in their most recent meeting, Atlanta hold exceptional home ground advantage, winning 13 of their last 15 MLS matches here (W13, D1, L1 – including playoffs). Josef Martínez (ATA) has scored two-thirds of his MLS goals after half-time this season. The opening goal could be crucial as Atlanta have opened the scoring in 25 of their 35 MLS fixtures, going on to win 19. Additionally, they have conceded just four first-half goals at home during their 18 MLS games so far (including playoffs). Furthermore, they have enjoyed being a home favourite this year and possess a 88.89% win/draw rate (W13, D3, L2).

Atlanta have scored a third of their MLS home regular season goals after the 75th minute. The home team on the day has won five of the six MLS playoff matchups this season. Philadelphia’s last five MLS away losses have been ‘to nil’.

However Philadelphia don’t mind being outsiders, as reflected by their 55.56% win/draw rate (W6, D4, L8) in the MLS during 2019. Furthermore, they avoided defeat in nine of their 17 MLS regular season road trips. That said, Philadelphia have managed just one clean sheet during this run. Fafa Picault (PHI) scored the equaliser and assisted the winner in the playoffs. The visitors have failed to score a first-half goal in four of their last five MLS fixtures (including playoffs) – something that was also the case in their last five MLS H2Hs and in 20 of their 34 regular season MLS fixtures this season. Along the same lines, Philadelphia have scored 40 of their 62 MLS goals (including playoffs) this season during the second half.

Match Info and Live Scores.