DC United is set to host Atlanta United at Audi Field on Wednesday for an important Major League Soccer (MLS) clash.
Both teams are eager to secure a win, with DC United looking to end their six-game winless streak and Atlanta United striving to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Team Form
DC United
DC United has been struggling recently, unable to secure a win in their last six MLS matches.
Their latest defeat came at the hands of Charlotte FC, where despite dominating possession, they failed to find the back of the net. The team has only managed to collect two points from these encounters, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
However, DC United's recent history against Atlanta United offers a glimmer of hope. In their last meeting on May 12, Christian Benteke's hat-trick led DC United to a 3-2 victory.
Benteke, with 13 goals this season, continues to be a key player for the team, only behind Real Salt Lake’s Cristian Arango in the race for the Golden Boot.
Atlanta United
Atlanta United also faces challenges, having only one win from their last twelve MLS matches. They recently managed a draw against Houston Dynamo, with a last-minute equaliser from Latif Blessing preventing a win.
The team sits in 13th place, three points behind ninth-placed Nashville SC, making their playoff chances slim.
Despite their struggles, Atlanta United has shown they can pull off surprises, notably beating league leaders Inter Miami 3-1 at the end of May.
With five of their next six matches away from home, they need to continue producing unexpected results to stay in playoff contention.
Team News
DC United
DC United will be without defender Christopher McVey, who is out until August with a knee injury, and midfielder Jackson Hopkins, sidelined with a back issue.
These absences put additional pressure on Lucas Bartlett to step up in defence.
Atlanta United
Atlanta United will miss several key players. Saba Lobjanidze and Bartosz Slisz are on international duty, while Stian Gregersen and Tyler Wolff are out with injuries.
These absences will be felt, particularly in defence and midfield.
Predicted Lineups
DC United: Bono; Tubbs, Bartlett, Akinmboni; Santos, Klich, Peltola, Dajome, Stroud; Fletcher, Benteke.
Atlanta United: Guzan; Lennon, Cobb, Williams, Wiley; Muyumba, McCarty; Silva, Almada, Brennan; Rios.
Prediction
Given DC United's recent home advantage and Atlanta United's missing key players, we predict a narrow 2-1 victory for DC United.
Benteke's form could prove crucial in breaking their winless streak and securing a much-needed win.
D.C. United 
Atlanta 
