Cincinnati vs Atlanta United Live Stream: How to Watch, Kickoff Time, Odds & Key Storylines

Kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday night brings together two teams moving in opposite directions in the MLS Eastern Conference. High-flying FC Cincinnati (9-2-3, 29 pts) land in Atlanta riding a seven-match unbeaten streak, while Atlanta United (2-5-7, 11 pts) look to ignite their season after winning just once since March. Kickoff time, TV and streaming • Date: Sunday, 25 May 2025 • Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET • Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV Why this match matters Cincinnati sit four points off conference-leading Philadelphia and begin a gruelling three-game week on the road. Picking up away points now could define their Supporters’ Shield chase. Atlanta, 13th in the East, urgently need a result to keep playoff hopes alive before another mid-week fixture. Team news and projected line-ups Atlanta United: Manager Gonzalo Pineda is without defender Brooks Lennon (hamstring), winger Xande Silva (hip) and midfielder Tristan Muyumba (suspension). Expect a 3-5-2 with Brad Guzan; Abram, Williams, Edwards; Amador, Slisz, Fortune, Miranchuk, Almirón; Latte Lath, Lobjanidze. FC Cincinnati: Pat Noonan’s 5-3-2 should feature Roman Celentano; Mosquera, Miazga, Cameron, Robinson, Gaddis; Bucha, Evander, Valenzuela; Denkey, Acosta. No major injury concerns reported. Players to watch • Kevin Denkey — the Togolese striker has eight goals in 13 matches and punishes high defensive lines. • Miguel Almirón — Atlanta’s marquee signing loves games against Cincy; he has three goals and three assists in five meetings. • Evander vs. Jay Fortune — battle in midfield will decide tempo; Evander leads Cincinnati in both goals (7) and assists (3). Form guide Atlanta United: L D D L D FC Cincinnati: W D W W D Head-to-head The clubs drew 2-2 at TQL Stadium on 22 March. Cincinnati have lost just once in the last six meetings and are unbeaten in their last three trips to Georgia. Betting odds (ESPN BET, 24 May) • Moneyline: ATL +145 | Draw +260 | CIN +145 • Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over -175, Under +130 Value play: Both teams to score has hit in four of the last five clashes; the trend points to another open encounter. Tactical snapshot Atlanta press high but concede space behind their wing-backs; Cincinnati’s counter-attacking 5-3-2 is built to exploit those channels. Look for Luciano Acosta to drift into half-spaces, dragging center-backs out and creating lanes for Denkey’s diagonal runs. Pineda may order midfielder Slisz to man-mark Acosta to prevent overloads. Prediction Atlanta’s home crowd often lifts the Five Stripes, yet their defensive frailties remain. Cincinnati’s depth plus Evander’s creativity tip the balance: FC Cincinnati 2, Atlanta United 1. How to follow live Real-time updates will stream on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, while minute-by-minute commentary is available on the MLS app and clubs’ official social channels. Search “Cincinnati vs Atlanta United live stream,” “FC Cincinnati lineup,” and “Atlanta United injury report” for the latest pre-match info and post-game highlights throughout the day.