Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati: Prediction, projected lineups, how to watch | OneFootball

Eastern Conference contenders FC Cincinnati pay a visit to an Atlanta United side most expected to also be near the top of the East table in 2025 in a Sunday Night Soccer clash. Here's everything you need to know about the final fixture of Matchday 15.

How to watch Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinati

Time: Sunday, May 25, 7 pm ET

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Tickets: Click here

TV & streaming: Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass

Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati projected lineups

In an effort to get something -- anything -- going for an Atlanta United side that is now winless in its last eight matches, manager Ronny Deila has shifted to a five-man backline for his side's last three matches.

The results have been at best inconclusive. But the chance creation has improved, however incrementally, so it's probable he will give a five-man rearguard one more shot on Sunday.

Cincinnati has also played with three center backs in most of its MLS games, in part because of the wealth of talent in the position at its disposal, including USMNT-experienced Miles Robinson and Matt Miazga.

A 5-3-2 or a 3-4-1-2 is probably the most likely shape for Pat Noonan's group, and whichever formation is officially employed, the difference between the two is minimal.

Atlanta United projected lineup (5-4-1, right to left)

Brad Guzan (GK) - Ronald Hernandez, Noah Cobb, Derrick Williams, Luis Abram, Pedro Amador - Miguel Almiron, Bartosz Slisz, Aleksei Miranchuk, Saba Lobjanidze - Emmanuel Latte Lath

FC Cincinnati projected lineup (5-3-2, right to left)

Roman Celentano (GK) - Luca Orellano, Nick Hagglund, Matt Miazga, Miles Robinson, Lukas Engel - Pavel Bucha, Obinna Nwobodo, Evander - Sergio Santos, Kevin Denkey

Player status report

Atlanta United: Stian Gregersen - quadriceps (out), Brooks Lennon - hamstring (out), Tristan Muyumba - knee (out). FC Cincinnati: Yuya Kubo - leg (questionable).

Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati prediction

There's genuine reason to believe Atlanta is better than the results they've shown so far. But Cincinnati is not the team to get well against after seven wins out of nine in league play.

As one of the best and most cohesive defenses in MLS, the match sets up almost ideally for the visitors to absorb pressure from a host under pressure to score, then hit once or twice on the counter.

If there's a saving grace for Atlanta, Cincy isn't the kind of side that adds on to its leads easily, so this one should remain tight until the final stages. But one likely outcome is that Cincy takes a two-goal lead, then gives one back but still holds on for three points on the road.