Atlanta United vs DC United: Preview, predictions and lineups: Leagues Cup 2024

Leagues Cup 2024 action begins Friday night as Atlanta United square off against DC United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Five Stripes are coming off of a 2-1 home victory over Columbus Crew in which winter signing Stian Gregersen bagged a brace -- with two headed goals -- to lead the hosts to victory over the reigning MLS Cup champions. Atlanta are still without a head coach with Rob Valentino filling in as interim head coach but could still make some noise in Leagues Cup.

On the other side of the matchup, DC United picked up three points last time out with a 3-2 triumph over Minnesota United. Former Liverpool and Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke managed a brace to propel the Black and Red to victory, and he'll look to do the same vs an Atlanta defense that he scored a hat trick against back in May.

Here's 90min's preview of Atlanta United vs DC United.

Atlanta United vs DC United H2H record (Last Four Games)

Last meeting: DC United 0-1 Atlanta United (19 June 2024) - MLS

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Atlanta United vs DC United on TV and live stream

Atlanta United team news

Atlanta have no new injury concerns in the squad ahead of the match. New signing Pedro Amador -- who is essentially Caleb Wiley's replacement -- could start from the jump and make his debut for Atlanta.

Atlanta United predicted lineup vs DC United

Atlanta United predicted lineup vs DC United ( 4-2-3-1 ): Guzan; Lennon, Gregersen, Williams, Amador; Fortune, Muyumba, Lobjanidze, Slisz, Silva; Rios.

DC United team news

The Black and Red will be without a couple of players against Atlanta, with Russell Canouse still recovering from a colectomy procedure back in April, while Conner Antley is dealing with a knee injury and is expected to return in early August.

DC United predicted lineup vs Atlanta United ( 3-4-2-1 ): Bono; Herrera, Peltola, McVet; Dajome, Klich, Rodriguez, Santos; Stroud, Pirani; Benteke.

As Atlanta sold two Designated Players, the two sides have essentially the same talent level. The only exception to that is Atlanta are playing at home and will hope that their fans can get behind them to help pick up three points to begin Leagues Cup 2024.

Prediction: Atlanta United 1-0 DC United