🔮 Major League Soccer Weekend Preview | OneFootball

Get ready for another action-packed weekend in Major League Soccer. From the East to the West and everywhere between, here is what you need to know!

Fixture of the weekend

After finally returning to action for Inter Miami, the Herons will hope Lionel Messi can work his magic again in MLS. Javier Mascherano's men face Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday where big-name stars take centre stage.

Alongside Messi, the game will feature Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Brad Guzan, Miguel Almiron and the like, all of whom carry the pressure to deliver inside a grand venue.

Atlanta also has striker Emmanuel Latte Lath in their squad too, with the $32 million star available after being cleared from concussion protocol on Friday.

Unfortunately for Miami, goalkeepers Drake Callender (injured) and Oscar Ustari (suspension) are unavailable. Therefore, Rios Novo, who last played a full 90 in the regular season in 2022, could feature.

The weekend's final match is sure to deliver the goods.

Miami could go top of the East depending on other results, while a win for Atlanta would be a significant confidence boost, as it is looking to enter the top four. Buckle up!

Player to watch

Tai Baribo continues to grab everyone's attention with some impressive scoring form, but we're here to shed some light on goalkeeper Roman Bürki.

The St. Louis shot-stopper has kept three clean sheets in a row and is looking for a fourth in his upcoming clash against the Seattle Sounders. His opponents, however, are tied for third-most goals scored so far this season (seven).

Should Bürki make it four clean sheets in a row, St. Louis would join some elite MLS history.

According to MLS Communications, the Vancouver Whitecaps (2012) and New York Red Bulls (2007) are "the only clubs to start the season with four consecutive clean sheets."

Two questions ahead of the matchday

Can San Diego shake the fairytale tag?

Mikey Varas' side looks far from MLS newbies after maintaining an impressive unbeaten record after three games in their debut season.

San Diego FC have beat MLS Cup winners LA Galaxy, held St. Louis to a goalless draw and also beat Real Salt Lake on the road. If they can pull off another positive result against Columbus Crew, perhaps this isn't a fairytale story?

Due to injury, the club is without Hirving Lozano (lower body) and Andrés Reyes (lower body). Still, they have proven to be a group who can pull from the squad's collective expertise. San Diego has two straight shutout wins and has outscored opponents 5-1 through its first three games in history.

The Crew, an impressive side in their own right, will be another tough test. But if the MLS newbies pull off another positive result, maybe this storied run isn't a fairytale but a signal of the club's true identity.

Can TFC regroup during home opener?

Speaking of clubs trying to find their identity, things will be tense at BMO Field. Toronto FC are without a win this season and their home opener against Chicago will be a massive test of their ability and confidence.

The club sits second last in the Eastern Conference, with fellow Canadian club CF Montreal at the bottom. In stark contrast, the Vancouver Whitecaps sit top of the West.

From their three opening games this season, TFC only managed to earn one point in a draw with DC United. The hope is that returning to familiar surroundings will turn their luck around.

"I think in a lot of ways, since the second week in January, we've been road warriors," said General Manager Jason Hernandez. "We've been in Spain and Florida for pre-season, we've been on the road for three matches to start the regular season, and so to come home, it is a very, very welcome site, as we establish ourselves as a group in front of our own fans. And really, we want to put out a strong performance."

History doesn't fall on their side, though. Toronto is looking for its first home win over the Fire since May 2022.

📸 Feature image credit: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images