Orlando City hosts their neighbors to the north in a potentially season-defining game for Atlanta United.
The Five Stripes have only picked up eight points on their travels this year, with their only away win coming in April against DC United. Also, Gonzalo Pineda's men haven't won at Exploria Stadium since 2019. Although Atlanta can't be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention following the full-time result, it would be a huge mountain to climb if they leave Central Florida empty-handed.
Orlando haven't necessarily been great at Exploria Stadium this season with 7 wins and 7 loses, but their last home defeat came over a month ago.
A rotated Orlando side was defeated 5-1 by Supporters Shield chasing Philadelphia Union on Saturday night. Regulars such as Pedro Gallese, César Araújo, Facundo Torres and Ercan Kara were rested by coach Oscar Pareja following the Lions' U.S. Open Cup win last Wednesday. Andrés Perea scored his first league goal of the season, but ultimately the Union walked away with a deserved three points. Orlando City still remain 5th in the Eastern Conference, four points off NYCFC in 4th.
Atlanta gained a vital three points in a six-goal thriller vs Toronto on the weekend. Juanjo Purata's hat-trick of headers and a banger from Thiago Almada wrapped up a memorable 4-2 victory. Purata became the first player to score a hat-trick of headers since at least 2010 in MLS. The victory lifted the Five Stripes up to 10th, five points behind the Columbus Crew before Tuesday night's games.
Team news
Alexandre Pato and Joey DeZart both remain out for the hosts, while Robin Jansson is still listed as questionable. Jack Lynn returned to MLS Next Pro action on the weekend for Orlando City B against Philadelphia Union 2.
It's been a season disrupted by injuries for the visitors, and that continues to be the theme going into Wednesday night. Osvaldo Alonso, Dylan Castanheira, Brad Guzan, Miles Robinson and Emerson Hyndman are listed as out and Matheus Rossetto is listed as questionable.
Predicted lineups
Orlando: Gallese, Moutinho, Antonio Carlos, Schlegel, Ruan, Pereyra, Araújo, Angulo, Urso, Torres, Kara.
Atlanta: Gudino, Gutman, Franco, Purata, Hernández, Sosa, Almada, Araújo, Sejdić, Lennon, Cisneros.
Ones to watch
Iván Angulo
Orlando acquired the services of Colombian winger Iván Angulo on loan from Palmeiras in the summer, and he has started to make an impact on this squad.
The 23-year-old has one assist in four MLS matches this season, alongside a secondary assist in the Open Cup final.
Angulo's defensive work is another reason why he is one to watch for Orlando.
Thiago Almada
Atlanta United record signing Thiago Almada has had a decent debut MLS campaign in Georgia.
The Argentine moved to the United States for a reported $16M from Vélez Sarsfield in the offseason and has recorded five goals and eleven assists in 2022.
The midfielder was named in Argentina's preliminary squad for their upcoming international matches last week - a definite one for the future.
Last time out
These two rivals last met in July at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Lions were the ones who broke the deadlock after 10 minutes from a free-kick by skipper Mauricio Pereyra.
Atlanta were level in the 71st minute after center-back Juanjo Purata headed Thiago Almada's free-kick past Gallese.
There were many chances late on in the match with former Orlando City striker Dom Dwyer forcing an unbelievable save out of Pedro Gallese, and in stoppage time, Josef Martínez and Alexandre Pato both hit the woodwork to end a very entertaining 1-1 tie.
How to watch
Kick-off is set for 6:00pm ET and will be televised on Fox35 Plus for fans in Orlando and Bally Sports Southeast in Atlanta. The game will also be streamed nationally on ESPN+.