Atlanta United vs Charlotte Fc Picks and Predictions July 19th 2025

Atlanta United Seeks Elusive Win in Second Homecoming Match Against Surging Charlotte FC

The long-awaited homecoming for Atlanta United continues on Saturday night, but the search for a celebratory victory remains elusive. After nearly two months as nomads, forced to play away from home while their stadium was used for the FIFA Club World Cup, Atlanta United returned to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday. While the energy was palpable, the result was familiar: a draw. Now, they will try once again to reward their patient home fans with a much-needed three points as they face a surging Charlotte FC team that is playing with immense confidence.

The Six-Match Winless Skid

For Atlanta United, the season has become a frustrating exercise in “what ifs.” The club is currently mired in a six-match winless streak, a run that has seen them slide down the Eastern Conference standings and put their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy. Their last victory came all the way back on May 28. However, a closer look at their recent results tells a more nuanced story. While they are not winning, they are also not losing. Their last three matches have all ended in draws, a fact that head coach Gonzalo Pineda is clinging to as a sign of progress.

“We need to work with our performances,” Pineda said this week. “But we don’t give up and we keep going and are getting something out of it. There’s a big difference between losing and drawing.” This “glass is half-full” approach highlights a team that is showing resilience and fighting spirit, but one that fundamentally lacks the quality or killer instinct to turn one point into three. Their return home on Wednesday was a perfect example. After a long and difficult stretch on the road, they were finally back in front of their own fans, but they were headed for another disappointing loss before a dramatic stoppage-time goal from rookie Will Reilly salvaged a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire. While the rookie’s first career MLS goal was a moment of individual brilliance and joy, the overall result was another frustrating chapter for a team that desperately needs to start stacking wins together.

Charlotte’s Quiet Climb

While Atlanta is trying to find positives in draws, Charlotte FC is quietly climbing the Eastern Conference table by securing victories. They have won two straight matches and are firmly entrenched in a playoff position. Their most recent outing was a professional and convincing 2-1 triumph over D.C. United on Wednesday, a result that marked their first winning streak since a three-game run back in April. Under the steady guidance of head coach Dean Smith, Charlotte has developed into a disciplined, well-organized team that knows how to win games. They will arrive in Atlanta full of confidence and will see this match as a golden opportunity to take three points from a struggling and vulnerable opponent.

The Pep Biel Masterclass

The engine of Charlotte’s success has been their superstar playmaker, Pep Biel. The Spanish midfielder is putting together an MVP-caliber season, with nine goals and a team-leading 10 assists. His ability to both score and create makes him one of the most dangerous attacking players in the entire league. He was the undisputed man of the match in their win over D.C. United, scoring both of his team’s goals in a clinical display of finishing.

“It was a good result for us,” a pleased Dean Smith said. “I was disappointed with the goal that we gave away, but it was as comfortable a performance as we’ve had… (Pep) is enjoying football at the moment. You can see it in his play.” When a team’s best player is performing with that level of joy and confidence, they are incredibly difficult to stop. The central matchup of Saturday’s game will be the struggling Atlanta defense trying to find a way to contain the brilliant Biel. How a team game plans to stop an elite, in-form player is a fascinating tactical battle, a topic often explored in our expert betting guide.

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The Tactical Matchup and What to Expect

This match presents a fascinating clash of styles and momentums. Atlanta United, playing at home for just the second time in two months, will be energized by their crowd and desperate to be the aggressor. They will likely look to control possession and get the ball to their own talented attackers, led by striker Emmanuel Latte Lath, who broke his own long goal-scoring drought in their last match.

Charlotte, on the other hand, will be comfortable playing a more pragmatic, organized style. They have a proven track record of success against Atlanta, having won three of the last four meetings, including a dominant 2-0 victory in their first meeting this season back on March 1. The scores and odds for this match will be tight, but Charlotte’s current form may give them a slight edge, even on the road.

The Eastern Conference Playoff Race

With the second half of the season now in full swing, every point in the crowded Eastern Conference is precious. A win for Charlotte would solidify their place as a top-tier playoff team. For Atlanta, a loss would be another devastating blow, extending their winless streak to seven and keeping them mired in the bottom half of the table. To see who our experts are backing in this crucial Eastern Conference showdown, check out our daily soccer picks.