Atlanta vs. Charlotte FC – News and Probable Lineups

On Saturday, Atlanta United will be aiming for their fourth consecutive victory in MLS as they wrap up a two-match homestand against Charlotte FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Five Stripes currently occupy the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference, boosted by a recent 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City, which leaves them 11 points adrift of Charlotte, who secured a 3-1 win against DC United last weekend and are positioned fifth.

Match overview

A two-week hiatus earlier this month appeared to significantly benefit Atlanta United, who are now back in contention for a playoff spot.

Such hope seemed a distant dream during that break, as they were languishing in last place in the East prior to their home clash with the New York Red Bulls.

Gerardo Martino’s side finds itself just three points shy of Orlando City for the coveted final playoff position, and on Sunday, they can surpass their home win total from last season in this league (four).

Additionally, a victory would mean three consecutive wins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the first time since the 2024 MLS regular season.

Nearly 50% of their 2026 regular season matches (10 out of 21) have been resolved by a single goal, with Atlanta securing the triumph in their previous three encounters.

There is a newfound sense of optimism surrounding this club, which has exhibited consistency, and the addition of Swiss striker Breel Embolo may help to mitigate their goalscoring challenges.

Despite narrowly missing out on entering the knockout stages of the Leagues Cup, supporters of Charlotte FC have reasons for optimism at this juncture.

Dean Smith’s squad is currently just two points behind the New England Revolution for fourth place in the East, and on Saturday, they will look to extend their unbeaten streak in the league to four matches for the third time in the 2026 season.

However, the team is likely frustrated having dropped points away from home recently, failing to win their last two regular season games on the road despite taking the lead on both occasions, which resulted in a loss of four points.

Recently, their attacking prowess has been impressive, scoring three goals in each of their last three fixtures while only failing to find the net twice on the road during the 2026 regular season.

Nonetheless, they have also conceded goals in all but one of their away league matches this year, with over half of their MLS goals conceded (19 out of 32) coming while playing away from home.

Charlotte will aim for a fourth successive victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against Atlanta this Saturday, having scored three times in each of those last three wins.

Team News

For Atlanta, Ajani Fortune is unlikely to feature due to recovering from a hamstring injury, Elias Baez will miss out because of suspension, Mauricio Amaro is still waiting for visa approval, and Embolo is anticipated to make his debut.

Tomas Jacob has scored in each of his last two appearances, while he and Fabrice Picault found the net in their recent home win against Sporting Kansas City.

As for Charlotte, Aron John is contending with an upper-body injury, while Harry Toffolo and Nimfasha Berchimas are dealing with lower-body issues.

David Schnegg, Will Cleary, and Pep Biel all scored last Saturday, with Biel also providing an assist in the match.

Atlanta United probable starting XI:

Holes; Jacob, Diaz, Gregersen, Alonso; Gill, Sanchez; Miranchuk, Muyumba, Almiron; Picault

Charlotte FC probable starting XI:

Kahlina; Cleary, Agyemang, Kessler, Schnegg; De La Torre, Westwood, Beautiful; Abbot, Toklomati, Saint-Maximin

While Atlanta is riding a wave of momentum, they have not encountered a formidable opponent of Charlotte’s caliber in their last three fixtures, and a regression is expected against a team with numerous attacking options.