Atlanta United Vs Columbus Crew: 5 key players to watch

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ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 24: Atlanta United forward Hector Villalba (15) during a MLS match between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United on June 24, 2018, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Atlanta United returns to Mercedes Benz Stadium after a weekend off from MLS action when they will face Columbus Crew for the second time this weekend. Here are five key players to watch ahead of the finely balanced contest.

Atlanta United will be fresh off their two-week break from MLS action. The team will be tasked with facing Eastern Conference foe, the Columbus Crew, from the friendly confines of Mercedes Benz Stadium. Atlanta are in the midst of a five-game unbeaten run but haven’t posted back-to-back home wins since the beginning of April, meaning their home form is inconsistent at best. Columbus, on the other hand, has won three straight games, including a road win over New York Red Bulls.

Both teams are looking for points in order to push towards the playoffs. Atlanta are still leading the league in the Supporters’ Shield race, while Columbus are fourth in the Eastern Conference, nine points back from Atlanta but nine points ahead of the playoff line. Atlanta is feeling the pressure from both New York teams, so three points are important for the Five Stripes. Columbus, meanwhile, is still working out its team chemistry after re-signing Justin Meram in a transfer from Orlando City.

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See which five players are key to watch for when these teams face off on Sunday afternoon.

ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 04: Atlanta’s Josef Martinez (7) gestures to the crowd after scoring a goal during the match between Atlanta United and Toronto FC on August 4th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC and Toronto FC played to a 2 2 draw. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Josef Martinez

Josef Martinez is just one goal from tying the MLS single-season record of 27 goals. If Martinez bags another brace, he’ll sit solely atop the record books for goals scored in a single season. It’s possible he may tie or break the record this Sunday, considering his recent form and his history against Columbus.

Martinez is in the midst of seven consecutive games with a goal, good enough for second best in MLS history and tied with last year’s MVP winner, Diego Valeri. Valeri scored in seven consecutive games last year as part of his MVP season. Martinez’s history against Columbus is stellar too. In 154 regular season minutes against Columbus, Martinez has two goals. At that pace, he should score at least another on Sunday, barring any unfortunate events.

Atlanta’s success goes through many of its players, but it all stops with Martinez. He is the team’s finisher, the stamp on a successful counterattack, the dagger into an already dying opponent. If Martinez scores, Atlanta is in a good position to take points, regardless of whatever else happens. Columbus will not be an easy opponent, but unless they can find a way to shut down Martinez, which no other team has been able to do, the Crew will be unhappy with the results.

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