It’s without a doubt that Paul Dalglish is looking for revenge tonight against Atlanta United 2. It is a quick turnaround for The Miami FC after collecting their first USL point on Sunday. The boys in blue displayed many positives in the road match against an excellent Rowdies side and Miami must build on that momentum. Dalglish is not one to experiment once he finds a cohesive unit. The question remains, which Miami side shows up tonight.
It was a surprise for everyone to see third-choice keeper Bryant Gammiero get the start against a powerful Rowdies attack. It was even more surprising that Gammiero was one floated ball away from a clean sheet. Given his performance in comparison to Brian Sylvestre and Mark Pais, it would be yet another surprise to not see Gammiero in the goal tonight for Miami.
Atlanta has not fared well against competition since their match against Miami. In their four matches since, Atlanta has only earned points on one occasion while conceding seven in the process. Atlanta’s attack also seems to have subsided having been kept off the board by Birmingham Legion and the Rowdies in that four-match stretch.
Keys To A Miami FC Victory
Miami needs to show more of the same from their previous outing. The defense was competent when challenged routinely both in the middle of the pitch and from service down the flanks. Lance Rozeboom shows that he remains a versatile player and a key to the Miami defense playing out of position at centerback. Brenton Griffiths has also looked more comfortable alongside Rozeboom on the back line.
Harrison Heath has been nothing short of fantastic in his first four USL matches with Miami FC. The dynamic midfielder has been one of the main facilitators into the attacking runs of Sebastian Velasquez, Mohamed Thiaw, and Romario Williams. While one could argue that Velasquez would better suit this team working through the middle of the pitch, that would limit Heath’s space to perform. Heath’s ability to create has likely been one of the reasons why Velasquez has been pushed out to the wing to focus on attacking deep in the opponent’s end.
Miami will need more than one goal to win against Atlanta. Miguel Gonzalez getting the start over Prince Saydee would add another layer to Miami’s potent attack. With Williams and Velasquez up front, another proven finisher would force Atlanta to be on the defensive throughout the contest.
Prediction
Miami was unable to sustain their leads against Atlanta in the previous outing. Each time Miami would get the go-ahead goal, they would concede shortly there after. If Miami sends too many numbers forward Atlanta will surely use their speed and physicality to counter quickly. The boys in blue will need another massive game from Gammiero and he will surely be up to the task. The offensive engine will fire on all cylinders tonight and Miami will return to their winning ways. An early goal will go a long way to tilt the momentum in Miami’s favor.
The Miami FC 3 – 1 Atlanta United 2
You can stream the game by clicking here!
The Betting Window
At the time of writing Miami are the betting line favorites with a win paying even money. Atlanta is paying +190 for a regulation win. On the spread, Miami is paying -130 on a split bet 0, -0.5 goal spread. Both teams to score is likely given the price offered by the books at -200. If you are looking for action tonight I think you land a winner on Miami on the moneyline for even money. For those willing to be a bit more cautious, the spread offers you the ability to hedge your bet with a push if the match draws.
Picks Record: (1-2)
