90min
·4 August 2024
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Yahoo sports90min
·4 August 2024
Leagues Cup East Group 7 action concludes this weekend as Atlanta United take on Santos Laguna at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Five Stripes fell to fellow MLS side D.C. United in their opening fixture of Leagues Cup 2024 3-3 (6-5 on penalties). As DC defeated Santos Laguna 3-0 during the midweek, Atlanta must come away from the match with three points if they are to advance to the Round of 32.
Like Atlanta, Santos also have their backs against the wall after a poor showing against D.C. For Santos to advance, they must also win and take down Atlanta to punch their ticket to the knockout stage of Leagues Cup.
Here's 90min's guide to Atlanta United vs Santos Laguna.
* This is the first-ever meeting between Atlanta United and Santos Laguna.
Daniel Rios bagged a brace vs DC / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta striker Daniel Rios bagged a brace in the last match against DC, but it wasn't enough to propel the team to victory. The Five Stripes also announced new signing Aleksei Miranchuk earlier this week, but the 28-year-old won't make his debut until later this month or in early September due to the lengthy work visa process.
Atlanta have new fresh injuries in the squad, meaning interim head coach Rob Valentino should have his full squad available for selection.
Atlanta United predicted lineup vs Santos Laguna ( 4-3-3 ): Guzan; Lennon, Gregersen, Williams, Amador; Slisz, Muyumba, McCarty; Lobjanidze, Rios, Silva.
Pedro Aquino misses out through injury / Manuel Guadarrama/GettyImages
Santos boss Ignacio Ambriz will be without a few players due to injury against Atlanta. Jose Macias is still recovering from a muscle injury, Pedro Aquino is dealing with a knee injury while Ronaldo Prieto is also sidelined with a knee injury. All players are expected to return around late August/early September.
Santos Laguna predicted lineup vs Atlanta United ( 4-2-3-1 ): Acevedo; Medina, Nunez, Rodriguez, Lorona; Mariscal, Naveda; Villalba, Fagundez, Sordo; Munoz.
Although Santos' Liga MX Apertura season hasn't been great, they still have several talented players in their squad that can change a match at a moment's notice. However, as Atlanta are the hosts, they'll have just enough in them to prevail over Santos to join DC in the Round of 32.
Prediction: Atlanta United 3-2 Santos Laguna
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