MLS Preview: Atlanta United vs. Philadelphia Union Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Jul 2)

• Atlanta United vs. Philadelphia Union is the only MLS game on the program on Sunday, July 2.
• These two are in the top four most expensive teams in the 2023 MLS.
• Philly looking for the 1^st ever MLS win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. 

Atlanta United welcomes Philadelphia Union on Sunday, July 2, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. That’s the place where Philly has never won in the MLS, with three losses and three draws. Maybe that changes this time?

How to Watch

• When: Sunday, July 2, 2023, at 4 p.m ET
• Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
• Channel: Apple TV

Odds

Game Preview

Philadelphia Union is in slightly better form than Atlanta United with 10 points won in the last five. Meanwhile, the boys from Georgia collected 6 points during that period. However, when it comes to the home/away form, it’s Atlanta that has the edge.

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In June, Atlanta played two games at home, winning against DC United and playing a draw with NYCFC. The same month, Philadelphia played two games on the road, losing to the San Jose Earthquakes and Orlando City.

Add to all this the fact that Philadelphia has never won a league game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and you’ll understand why bookies think Atlanta is the favorite. However, there are a couple of things going against Gonzalo Pineda’s men ahead of the game with Philly.

First of all, they’re going to miss defender Miles Robinson, who’s with the USMNT at the 2023 Gold Cup. Secondly, midfielder Santiago Sosa and forward Erik Lopez are injured, while Luiz Araujo is moving to CR Flamengo in a few days’ time. Meanwhile, all of Philadelphia’s men are fit and ready for Sunday’s game.

Atlanta United vs. Philadelphia Union Prediction

In the previous MLS round, Philly beat Inter Miami 4-1 in a game in which the David Beckham-owned team had the ball in possession for most of the time. Philadelphia Union, however, was able to hit “The Herons” on the break.

We think something similar might happen on Sunday as well. Atlanta’s players are likely to be the ones on the front foot, which will leave room for Philly’s counterattacks.

Free Pick: