Atlanta United is currently struggling in the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference, sitting in 13th place with only 17 points from 18 games, which highlights their urgent need for improved performance to secure a postseason spot.

In their upcoming match at Lower.com Field, Atlanta United will face Columbus Crew, with both teams eager to bounce back from recent poor performances.

Columbus Crew has a strong home advantage against Atlanta, having won the last five home fixtures, while Atlanta has not secured a victory in their last five visits to Columbus, with their last win there dating back to August 2021.

Columbus Crew recently overcame a significant 5-1 defeat to Inter Miami and secured a vital 2-1 win against the Vancouver Whitecaps, maintaining their position in the top four of the Eastern Conference.

Diego Rossi is a key player for Columbus, leading the team with nine goals this season, while Emmanuel Latte Lath is Atlanta's top scorer with five goals.

Jamal Thiare has been crucial for Atlanta, scoring three times in his last five appearances, while Rossi has been impactful with six goal involvements in his last eight matches.

Despite marquee signings like Latte Lath and Miguel Almiron, Atlanta's performance has faltered, recently suffering a heavy 4-0 loss to New York City FC, their largest league defeat of the season.

Atlanta's away form is particularly troubling, as they have not won in their last eight away games and have conceded 15 goals in their last five matches.

Manager Ronny Deila, in his first season, has faced challenges, achieving only four wins in 18 games across all competitions, and expressed frustration following the embarrassing loss to New York.

Deila has voiced concerns about his team's belief and discipline, emphasizing the need for improvement and accountability ahead of the match against Columbus.

Bookmakers favor Columbus Crew to win, offering odds of 8/13 for a home victory, while Atlanta's odds stand at 3/1.

Historically, Columbus Crew leads the head-to-head against Atlanta United with 12 wins compared to Atlanta's 7, having won the last three meetings at home.