Atlanta United will continue its Champions League campaign hosting Philadelphia on Tuesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium The quarterfinal game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. The second leg of the series is scheduled to be played May 4 in Philadelphia.
Scouting Philadelphia
Coach: Jim Curtin.
Formation: Likely a 4-3-1-2, with a diamond midfield.
How advanced: Philadelphia defeated Saprissa by an aggregate of 5-0.
Expected goals for team/opponent in MLS this season: 1.13/1.16.
Expected goals for Atlanta United/opponent in MLS this season: 0.78/1.18.
Key players:
Andre Blake, goalkeeper, 2 goals allowed in league play, 77.8 save percentage
Jamiro Monteiro, midfielder, 1 goal, 12 shot creation actions
Kacper Przybylko, striker, 1 assist, 5 shot creation actions, 38.5 percent aerial duals won
Alejandro Bedoya, midfielder, 6 shot creation actions, 77.4 percent passing
Key matchups for Atlanta United
Ezequiel Barco vs. Montero. Assuming Barco starts, he and Monteiro will be fascinating to watch. Both are very quick. Both are good in tight spaces.
Miles Robinson vs. Przybylko. He has yet to score this season but Przybylko is a handful to mark because he is tall, big, makes off the the shoulder runs and is still good with his feet.
Looking at Philadelphia’s last game
In a 2-1 loss to MIami, the Union didn’t look great. Its goal was the result more of luck than skill. Its defending, particularly Jakob Glesnes, was very shaky. It gave up a goal to Gonzalo Higuain, who headed in a cross on a free kick, and Federico Higuain, who headed in a cross. That shouldn’t happen with Jack Elliot and Glesnes in the middle.
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