Seattle Sounders vs Atlanta United - MLS preview: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction

Atlanta United return to Major League Soccer action after a three-week hiatus when they take on Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field.

Defeat to Cruz Azul saw The Five Stripes crash out of the League Cup at the group stage, though that early exit has at least allowed the players significant preparation time to take on fellow Western Conference side Seattle Sounders.

Atlanta are looking to strengthen their position in the Eastern Conference with MLS playoffs looming in the background, while the Sounders are aiming to widen the gap near the top of the West - they sit in fourth place on 36 points.

Seattle also bowed out of the Leagues Cup at the first hurdle, losing convincingly to Real Salt Lake 3-0 before losing out to Monterrey in a high-scoring 4-2 defeat.

Here's 90min's preview of what should be an exciting game featuring the likes of Thiago Almada, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Jordan Morris, Nicolas Lodeiro and Raul Ruidiaz.

Where are Seattle Sounders vs Atlanta United playing?

• Location: Seattle, Washington
• Stadium: Lumen Field
• Date: 20 August 2023
• Kick-off time: 22:30 EST / 19:30 PT / 03:30* BST (*21 August 2023)

Seattle Sounders vs Atlanta United H2H record (Last Three Games)

• Seattle Sounders: 1 win
• Atlanta United: 1 win
• Draws: 1

• Last Meeting: Atlanta United 2-1 Seattle Sounders (6 August 2022)

How to watch Seattle Sounders vs Atlanta United on TV and live stream?

Seattle Sounders team news

Seattle will be able to call upon the majority of their heavy-hitters for the game at Lumen Field, in a major boost for head coach Brian Schmetzer, but Morris, Lodeiro and Ruidiaz need to hit their straps in front of goal.

"We want to start off this last stretch with a victory,” the boss told the media. “Home games are certainly important."

Xavier Arraega, Sota Kitahara, Kelyn Rowe and Ethan Dobbelaere are injured.

Atlanta United team news

The Five Stripes have no fresh injuries heading into the game.

One thing to note is that Almada will now wear the number 10 shirt, which was previously worn by Luiz Araujo before he departed the club for Brazilian side Flamengo earlier this summer.

One of Atlanta's summer additions, Tristan Muyumba, made his debut against Cruz Azul and made quite the impression in his first minutes for the club. The other three summer signings - Xande Silva, Saba Lobzhanidze and Jamal Thiare - are yet to play for the club but Silva could make the bench for the trip to Seattle.

Atlanta United predicted lineup vs Seattle Sounders

Atlanta United predicted lineup (3-4-2-1): Guzan; Purata, Robinson, Abram; Lennon, Sejdic, Rossetto, Wiley; Muyamba, Almada; Giakoumakis

Seattle Sounders vs Atlanta United score prediction

Given that both teams have plenty of attacking quality in their ranks, this could be a late-night high-scoring affair at Lumen Field.

Another point to consider is that neither side are strong in defense, adding to the likelihood that there will be plenty of goals to go around in this one. Atlanta is not a strong side on the road, and Seattle aren't the best at home either - everything points to an entertaining draw.

Prediction: Seattle Sounders 2-2 Atlanta United

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