Atlanta United welcome New England Revolution to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday night in a showdown between the Eastern Conference sides.

Atlanta’ first game of the 2024 MLS campaign didn’t go to plan but it wasn’t a total disaster, either. The Five Stripes fell 1-0 to reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew in what was a rematch of one of the first round clashes of last year’s playoffs. Atlanta didn’t take part in last weekend’s games given the odd number of MLS sides meaning they enjoyed a week of rest to prepare for their second game of the season.

While the Revs have one foot in the Champions Cup quarterfinals following their 4-0 victory over LA Alajuelense, they’ve failed to get off the mark in MLS action in their first two games. First-year head coach Caleb Porter has watched his side fall to DC United and Toronto FC to begin the season, and they too, like Atlanta, will be on the hunt for their first triumph in MLS play.

Here’s 90min’s preview of the clash between the Five Stripes and the Revs.

Atlanta’s injury list is rather short, with the likes of Jamal Thiare, Edwin Mosquera and Derrick Etienne Jr. all returning to training earlier this week prior to the weekend clash, according to Doug Roberson of the AJC.

Mosquera is recovering from a groin problem and Etienne Jr. is on his way back from an ankle injury, while Thiare is still feeling the effects of a concussion. It remains unclear if all three players will be involved in the matchday squad against New England.

Atlanta United predicted lineup vs Columbus Crew (4-3-2-1): Guzan; Lennon, Gregerson, Williams, Wiley; Muyumba, Slisz; Lobjanidze, Almada, Silva; Giakoumakis.

USMNT full-back DeJuan Jones could miss the game with a head injury, but his status remains up in the air. Fellow full-back Brandon Bye is still recovering from a knee injury suffered in early August of last year.

Should Jones miss out, Ryan Spaulding could come into the side as left-back. On the opposite side, Nick Lima has been getting the bulk of the minutes of right-back in Bye’s absence.

Former Aston Villa and Deportivo La Coruna figure Carles Gil signed a new long-term contract extension with the club, keeping him at Gillette Stadium through the 2026 season with an option for 2027. 4-2

New England Revolution predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Ravas; Lima, Farrell, Romney, Jones; Polster, Harkes; Chancalay, Gil, Boateng; Vrioni.

The Five Stripes are one of the hardest teams to beat at home in Major League Soccer, and they’ll be looking to collect their first three points of the season in front of their supporters on Saturday night. The Revs haven’t looked as sharp as they did in 2023 in their first two outings, while Atlanta managed to look much better in their second half compared to their first against the Crew.

The Revs might go ahead early to shock Atlanta, but Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis will both open their 2024 accounts to propel the hosts to a narrow victory to get their campaign up and running.

Prediction: Atlanta United 2-1 New England Revolution