In the lone Sunday MLS game, the Philadelphia Union (4 wins, 2 losses, 2 draws) travel south to take on Atlanta United FC (2-1-4) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Philadelphia Union vs. Atlanta United FC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
Both teams will be taking the pitch for the first time since the international break. It was an interesting few weeks prior to that break for Atlanta United FC. It’s riding a four-game unbeaten streak but won just one of those.
Prior to kicking off that hot streak, United tied Philadelphia 1-1 in the second leg of the CONCACAF quarterfinals, but they lost 4-1 on aggregates after a brutal first matchup.
The two teams know each other well. That said, Philadelphia has had the better season so far and sits third in the Eastern Conference. The Union have won three straight games and four of their last five.
Philadelphia Union at Atlanta United FC: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:25 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Philadelphia Union +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Atlanta United FC +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Draw +230 (bet $100 to win $230)
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -115 | U: -115)
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Prediction
Philadelphia Union 1, Atlanta United FC 1
Money line (ML)
“LEAN” to UNION (+210) because they’ve been one of the best teams in the East this season, and they handled business against Atlanta twice in CONCACAF play.
The best play is PHILADELPHIA OR TIE (-175), although there isn’t great value anywhere on the money line.
That said, the Union are tied for the most clean sheets and are second in save percentage. Their backline gets the job done.
Twenty-eight-year-old F Kacper Przybylko has played well, and with MF Alejandro Bedoya in the mix as well, the talent is there for the Union.
Taking Philadelphia outright is tough, as Atlanta has a 1-1 tie against the Seattle Sounders, the best team in the West. Having just 1 loss, United has been a tough team to beat.
However, Atlanta hasn’t been the same team since superstar F Josef Martínez tore his ACL to kick off the 2020 season. For that, I’d “LEAN” to the Union but may ultimately Pass on the money line as there’s a much better bet on the Over/Under.
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Over/Under (O/U)
BET the UNDER 2.5 (-115). While both of these teams can score, neither are electric in the final third. The Union have given up the second-fewest goals in MLS.
Scoring just 9 goals in eight games yet winning four of those outings, Philadelphia has gotten it done in low-scoring games. Atlanta has 9 goals in seven games and isn’t the scoring machine it used to be.
It will be an interesting game as the Union are fourth in interceptions but Atlanta is first in passing percentage. Despite the precision in their passing, the Under is still the bet as neither club has scored consistently this season.
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