Atlanta United v New York City FC: Deila plans to make former side ´suffer´

Ronny Deila intends to make New York City FC “suffer” as he takes on his former club as Atlanta United coach on Saturday.

Deila won MLS Cup with NYCFC in 2021 before leaving the club the following year, returning to MLS with Atlanta ahead of the 2025 season.

The Norwegian has endured a mixed start to life back in the United States, with just one win from Atlanta’s first five matches this year despite significant investment in the transfer market.

But Deila remains confident in the Five Stripes’ ability and will not let the impending visit of NYCFC distract from his task.

“Its going to be a tough game,” Deila said. “At the same time, I’m not so focused on them. I’m more into what we are doing.

“I know when we are playing good that they are also going to suffer, and that’s what they need to do when they come to our stadium.”

NYCFC have eight points from five matches – three more than Atlanta – but are winless across three away games.

A goalless draw with the Columbus Crew last time out was a step in the right direction, yet boss Pascal Jansen wants more.

“We have to quickly shift our focus to another serious contender, Atlanta, in an away game that presents a different kind of challenge [to Columbus],” he said.

“Playing on the road has been a key area for us to improve, and these are the moments where we need to show that we can establish a level of consistency throughout the season.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Atlanta United – Emmanuel Latte Lath

While Atlanta are yet to get going, their big-money striker signing has hit the ground running.

Latte Lath has scored four of their five goals this year, excluding own goals, and is the first Atlanta player to net four of the side’s first five goals in an MLS season.

New York City FC – Alonso Martinez

NYCFC’s leading marksman is Martinez, who has three goals in four appearances.

He was on international duty as City drew a blank against the Crew, and his absence was felt, with NYCFC failing to aim a shot on target in a regular season match for just the third time in club history.

Un día más en la oficina para Alonso Martínez pic.twitter.com/2PZ9HLiER0

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) March 26, 2025

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Deila never lost to Atlanta as NYCFC coach, and that unbeaten run has continued in the time he has been away. City are unbeaten in 10 in this fixture, including playoffs, for their longest unbeaten sequence against any opponent in MLS play.

However, the past four of those encounters have all ended in draws.

And Jansen is right to be concerned about NYCFC’s road form, with just one win in their last 18 matches away from home in all competitions going back to last June.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Atlanta United – 40.2%

Draw – 26.6%

New York City FC – 33.2%