The MLS returns from another extended break as Atlanta United host the New England Revolution at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Five Stripes are winless in their last seven matches, having not won since May 15th while New England is winless in three, but still sit atop the Eastern Conference standings by three points.

Team news

Atlanta United will be without several key players. George Bello, Brad Guzan and Miles Robinson have been recalled to the US Gold Cup squad while Ezequiel Barco is with Argentina for the Olympics.

Emerson Hyndman is lost for the season with a torn ACL while fellow midfielder Franco Ibarra also remains sidelined. Mohammed Adams injured his quad last game and will be out of action here. The trio of Jurgen Damm, Josef Martinez and Matheus Rosetto are doubtful.

Alex DeJohn broke his elbow against Nashville and will be sidelined here. Santiago Sosa is also missing, suspended after an accumulation of yellow cards.

New England is in better shape as only goalkeeper Matt Turner, called up to the US Gold Cup squad, Tajon Buchanan, in the Canadian Gold Cup side and Luis Caicedo, missing through injury, are out. 

Predicted lineups

Atlanta United: Kann; Lennon, Bauer, Walkes, Ambrose; Sejdic, Sosa; Mulraney, Moreno, Lopez; Torres

New England: Knighton; Jones, Farrell, Kessler, Bye; Polster, McNamara; Bou, Gil, Bunbury; Buksa

Ones to watch

Carles Gil has been at the heart of New England's success this season. The Spaniard has a league-leading ten assists, four of which have come in the Revolution's seven road matches. He also is tops in MLS with 61 key passes.

Brooks Lennon has just one assist this year, but is second to Gil with 34 key passes and is a vital part of Atlanta United's attack. A workhorse in the back line, the 23-year old has started all 12 games in 2021, playing all but 45 minutes.

Previous meetings

The first match between the two sides on May 1st ended with a 2-1 victory for New England at Gillette Stadium. 

Brandon Bye gave the Revolution a 19th-minute lead, heading past Guzan at the near post. Marcelo Moreno leveled from the penalty spot two minutes from halftime before Carles Gil did the same at the other end in the 53rd minute.

The win was New England's first over the Red and Black, but they have never won a match in Atlanta, losing all four previous matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 

How to watch

The match will be nationally televised on ESPN with kickoff set for 5pm Eastern time.

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