Atlanta United vs Toronto FC Prediction: Atlanta win is a better bet

Atlanta United and Toronto go toe-to-toe in the second round of MLS 2023 in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta United edged past San Jose Earthquakes in the first round after winning 2-1, while Toronto FC lost 3-2 to Wayne Rooney's DC United.

Atlanta United are playing at home and they will want to continue in their excellent start to the MLS 2023 and for Toronto FC, they need all 3 points to put them back on track in the new season. 

Atlanta were the better side in their 2-1 win against San Jose Earthquakes. Jeremy Ebobisse gave the Earthquakes the lead in the 12th minute of the game and Luiz Araujo failed to convert from the penalty spot in the 39th minutes, so the home team went into the break trailing by 1 goal. The hosts restored parity and went on to win the game in the dying minutes of the second half, through a Thiago Almada double in the 91st and 99th minute of the game. 

Atlanta United had a horrible pre-season outing before restart. Out of 5 matches, they won 1, 2 losses and 2 draws. Stats shows Atlanta United are without a clean sheet in 11 matches. In 8/8 of their matches, more than 2.5 goals have been scored and both teams have scored in ⅞ matches. In 6/6 matches, less than 4.5 cards were shown. 

Toronto FC lost 3-2 to DC United on the opening day. DC United opened the scoring through a Matuesz klich strike in the 13th minute to give the hosts in the first half. In the second half, Toronto FC drew the visitors level from the spot in the 66th minute. Mark Anthony-Keye doubled Toronto's lead in the 83rd minute before Christian Benteke. Then Theodore Ku-Dipietro won the game for DC United in the 98th minute. 

Toronto FC played 4 matches in pre-season before the league restart and they lost 3 and drew 1. Toronto FC have no wins in 11 matches. They have not kept a clean sheet in 11 matches and have seen more than 2.5 goals scored in 6/6 matches. Both teams have scored in ⅘ of their matches and Toronto have conceded first in 8/9 matches. Less than 4.5 cards were shown in 6/6 matches and less than 10.5 corners were played in ⅚ matches.

In their 13 meetings between these two, Toronto FC have 5 wins while Atlanta have 4 wins and 4 matches ended in a draw. 

Atlanta United have not kept a clean sheet in 3 matches against Toronto, while Toronto are without a clean sheet in 5 matches. Atlanta United have opened scoring in ⅘ and in 6/8, both teams saw less than 4.5 cards. In 5/7 matches, less than 10.5 corners were played.

Atlanta United are the better team between the two teams. Toronto are on a poor run of form and are in desperate need for a positive result. So we should expect a fierce contest between two teams that want to win by all means possible. 

Atlanta are lucky to be playing the second game on home turf and that will play a huge influence on the game.

• Bet on Home Win or Draw and Under 4.5 Goals at 1.61 Odds
• Bet on Atlanta United Win at 1.62 Odds
• Bet on Both Teams to Score at 1.99 Odds