Atlanta United vs. San Diego FC Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 20 September 2025

As we approach Round 31 of Major League Soccer, Atlanta United will be hosting the high-flying San Diego FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on 20 September 2025, with kick-off set for 21:30.

Atlanta United sits 26th in the standings with 26 points, while San Diego FC has been fantastic this season, currently in 2nd place with 56 points. This disparity in league position sets the stage for an intriguing clash.

Atlanta United has struggled defensively, particularly in the 46-60 minute timeframe, and have secured only two clean sheets in their last five outings. Despite this, Ronny Deila’s boys managed a notable 1-0 victory over Nashville SC recently.

San Diego FC, on the other hand, has not lost in seven consecutive away matches and typically ramps up their goal-scoring in the latter stages of the game. Their potent attack, led by top scorer Anders Dreyer, makes them a genuinely formidable force.

Given the recent form of both teams, the recommended bet is under 2.5 goals. Both sides have had low-scoring games lately, and this trend looks set to continue.

The home fans will certainly be hoping for an upset, but it’s hard to bet against a confident San Diego FC taking all three points in this one.

Atlanta United vs San Diego FC Prediction & Betting Tip

Atlanta United vs San Diego FC Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Under 2.5 goals	1.90

• Atlanta United’s Recent Form: Both of Atlanta’s last two games ended with under 2.5 goals, indicating a trend towards low-scoring matches. One game had just one goal, while another ended in a goalless draw.
• San Diego FC’s Defensive Strength: Despite their attacking prowess, San Diego FC has conceded just 1.2 goals on average this season, showing they are defensively solid.
• Game Situation: With both teams focusing on tight and strategic plays, the likelihood of a high-scoring affair is reduced, making under 2.5 goals a solid bet.

Given the current form and defensive stats of both teams, this bet offers good value and a high probability of success.

Atlanta United vs San Diego FC Odds

Atlanta United vs San Diego FC Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Atlanta United	2.49
Draw	3.63
San Diego FC	2.52

The odds for the upcoming clash between Atlanta United and San Diego FC reflect the competitive nature of Major League Soccer. With Atlanta United priced at 2.49, despite them being the bookmaker’s favourite, it indicates that this match could go either way. San Diego FC follows closely at 2.52, showcasing their impressive form this season.

A draw is a less expected outcome but still an intriguing possibility, carrying odds of 3.63. This balanced spread of odds highlights the uncertainty and potential for an exciting clash between the two sides.

Key Points:

• Atlanta United’s Struggles: Current form and standing in the league make them less dominant despite being favourites.
• San Diego FC’s Consistency: Their strong away form adds significant value to their odds.
• Balanced Competition: Close odds for both teams hint at a tightly-contested match.

Atlanta United Team Analysis

Atlanta United Recent Performance

Atlanta United’s recent form has been inconsistent, as seen with their record of one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five matches. Their only victory came against Nashville SC, a narrow 1-0 win, showcasing their capability to grind out results.

Average Goals and Clean Sheets

The team has managed to score an average of 1.40 goals in their last five games, indicating a moderate attacking threat. Defensively, Atlanta has secured two clean sheets in this period, which suggests occasional solidity at the back.

Key Players

One notable challenge for Atlanta is the absence of their top scorer, Emmanuel Latte Lath, due to a hamstring injury. His presence on the pitch, reflected by his seven goals this season, will be sorely missed.

Given these mixed performances and the defensive lapses, Ronny Deila’s side will need to significantly step up their game to pose a genuine threat to San Diego FC.

Atlanta United Key Players

With a tough match against San Diego FC on the horizon, Atlanta United will look towards their pivotal players to rise to the occasion.

Key Scorer Absence

Unfortunately, the team will be without their top scorer Emmanuel Latte Lath, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. His absence leaves a significant void upfront as he’s been instrumental with seven goals this season.

Playmakers and Defenders

Atlanta’s midfield maestros Miguel Almirón and Steven Alzate will be crucial in dictating play and creating opportunities. Almirón, in particular, brings flair and creativity, often becoming the heartbeat of the team’s attacking drives. In defence, Stian Gregersen and Enea Mihaj need to be rock-solid to withstand San Diego FC’s potent attack, led by Anders Dreyer.

Expected Lineup

• Goalkeeper: Jayden Hibbert
• Defenders: Ronald Hernández, Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj, Pedro Amador
• Midfielders: Tristan Muyumba, Steven Alzate, Miguel Almirón
• Attackers: Saba Lobjanidze, Luke Brennan, Jamal Thiare

Atlanta United Suspensions & Injuries

Atlanta United is facing several injury concerns ahead of their crucial match against San Diego FC.

Key Injuries:

• Emmanuel Latte Lath (Hamstring Injury): The team’s top scorer with seven goals is out with a hamstring injury and is expected to return in late September. His absence will significantly impact Atlanta’s attacking threat.
• Ajani Fortune (Foot Injury): Another blow to the midfield, with a potential return also in late September.
• Matthew Edwards (Hamstring Injury): Similar to Latte Lath, Edwards is sidelined and aims for a late September return.

Impact on the Team:

The absence of these key players puts additional pressure on the remaining squad members, particularly in attack and midfield. Without Latte Lath’s goal-scoring prowess, other forwards like Jamal Thiare and midfield creators will need to step up. Defensive focus will also be crucial to balance the loss in offensive output.

Atlanta United Tactics and Formation

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Jamal Thiare
• Midfield Trio: Tristan Muyumba, Steven Alzate, Miguel Almirón
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.

Atlanta United will line up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to use their midfield’s creative play to feed their forwards. Coach Ronny Deila will likely employ Miguel Almirón as the central attacking midfielder to exploit gaps in the San Diego FC defence with his dribbling and passing skills.

The attack will rely heavily on Jamal Thiare, especially in the absence of Emmanuel Latte Lath. Defensively, Stian Gregersen and Enea Mihaj will need to maintain solidity, given that they’ve secured two clean sheets recently.

Notable Strategy: Their strongest attacking interval has been between the 61-75 minute mark, indicating a focus on late-game surges to find the net.

San Diego FC Team Analysis

San Diego FC Recent Performance

San Diego FC has been in excellent form recently, recording three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. Their recent victory against Los Angeles FC (2-1) showcases their ability to win against top sides.

Average Goals and Clean Sheets

San Diego FC has demonstrated both offensive and defensive prowess, scoring an average of 1.40 goals per game and securing two clean sheets in their last five outings. This balance between offence and defence has been critical in their climb to 2nd place in the league standings with 56 points.

Key Players

Anders Dreyer, the top scorer with 14 goals this season, remains a constant threat upfront. The chemistry between him and midfielders like Luca De la Torre and Jeppe Tverskov offers versatile attacking options.

Given San Diego FC’s recent strong performances and ability to maintain solid defence, they will pose a significant challenge for Atlanta United.

San Diego FC Key Players

San Diego FC has key players who are expected to drive their performance against Atlanta United.

Top Scorer

• Anders Dreyer: With 14 goals this season, Dreyer is a constant attacking threat. His positioning and finishing skills will be crucial against a shaky Atlanta defence.

Midfield Dynamo

• Luca De la Torre: A pivotal figure in the midfield, De la Torre’s vision and passing ability make him essential for creating goal-scoring opportunities. His partnership with Jeppe Tverskov adds balance and versatility in the middle of the park.

Defensive Backbone

• Patrick McNair and Manu Duah: These central defenders need to be rock-solid to neutralize Atlanta’s attacking plays. McNair’s experience and Duah’s athleticism offer a strong defensive foundation.

Expected Lineup

• Goalkeeper: CJ dos Santos
• Defenders: Christopher McVey, Manu Duah, Patrick McNair, Luca Bombino
• Midfielders: Onni Valakari, Jeppe Tverskov, Luca De la Torre
• Attackers: Anders Dreyer, Amahl Pellegrino, Hirving Lozano

Individual battles, especially between Dreyer and Atlanta’s central defenders, could be decisive in this encounter.

San Diego FC Suspensions & Injuries

San Diego FC is not without their injury concerns as they prepare to face Atlanta United.

Key Injuries:

• Oscar Verhoeven (Muscle injury): Set to potentially return in late September 2025.
• Aiden Harangi (Arm injury): Another player who could make a comeback by late September.
• Marcus Ingvartsen (Muscle injury): Ingvartsen’s muscle injury leaves him sidelined with hopes of returning in late September.
• Franco Negri (Muscle injury): Also aiming for a late September return.

Impact on the Team:

The absence of these players can disrupt the squad’s usual dynamics, particularly in defence and midfield. The injury to Ingvartsen, for instance, might affect their fluid movement and creativity in the midfield. However, coach Mikey Varas will rely on his depth in the squad to fill these gaps effectively. Players like Luca De la Torre and Jeppe Tverskov will have to take on more prominent roles to maintain their performance levels.

San Diego FC Tactics and Formation

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Anders Dreyer
• Midfield Trio: Onni Valakari, Jeppe Tverskov, Luca De la Torre
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.

San Diego FC will line up in their usual 4-3-3 formation, maximizing both width and depth in their attack. The focal point of their offence will be Anders Dreyer, who leads the team with 14 goals this season. Midfield anchors Onni Valakari, Jeppe Tverskov, and Luca De la Torre provide the creative spark, while being robust enough to drop back and support the defence when needed.

In defence, the central partnership between Manu Duah and Patrick McNair has been instrumental, achieving two clean sheets in their last five outings. This formidable backline aims to maintain its strong form.

Notable Strategy: San Diego FC often capitalizes on the latter stages of matches, particularly flourishing during the 76-90 minute interval.

Atlanta United vs San Diego FC Head-to-Head Statistics

Interestingly, this will be the first competitive meeting between Atlanta United and San Diego FC, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter. With no prior matches to analyze, both teams will be stepping into uncharted territory.

San Diego FC enters this match with impressive form, having not lost in their last seven away games. They’ve shown resilience and strategic excellence, which will be critical traits against an Atlanta side eager to climb up the standings.

For Atlanta, their inconsistent form and the absence of key players like Emmanuel Latte Lath pose significant challenges. However, the home team will be looking to leverage their home advantage and support from their fans to overcome the odds.

This fresh matchup provides a blank slate for both sides, setting the stage for an unpredictable and potentially exciting encounter.

Odds accurate as of 18/09/2025 21:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.