Eastern Conference foes clash when Atlanta United<\/a> host the Columbus Crew<\/a>\u00a0for Matchday 6’s Walmart Saturday Showdown.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Record<\/strong><\/p>\n What to know<\/strong><\/p>\n Atlanta are finding their footing under returning head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, going undefeated in their last two games after losing three straight to begin the 2026 season.<\/p>\n Martino, who guided the Five Stripes to MLS Cup presented by Audi glory in 2018, took over from the departed Ronny Deila<\/a> following a 14th-place finish in the Eastern Conference last season.<\/p>\n This is despite Atlanta boasting one of the league’s most expensive rosters, highlighted by the Designated Player trio of Miguel Almir\u00f3n<\/a>, Emmanuel Latte Lath<\/a>\u00a0and Alexey Miranchuk<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n All three were decisive in the club’s lone win of the season: a 3-1 victory<\/a>\u00a0over the\u00a0Philadelphia Union<\/a> on Matchday 4. Almir\u00f3n delivered his first-ever MLS hat-trick of assists, while Latte Lath and Miranchuk both scored.<\/p>\n Was that a sign of more things to come for the Five Stripes?<\/p>\n Who to watch<\/strong><\/p>\n Predicted XI<\/strong><\/p>\n Will Jayden Hibbert<\/a> get his chance? The 21-year-old looked poised to take over the starting goalkeeper position after club legend Brad Guzan<\/a> retired, but Martino has so far favored offseason signing Lucas Hoyos<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Record<\/strong><\/p>\n What to know<\/strong><\/p>\n Columbus are enduring growing pains under new head coach Henrik Rydstr\u00f6m, who’s still searching for his first win since taking over from legendary manager Wilfried Nancy.<\/p>\n Rydstr\u00f6m most recently led Swedish side Malm\u00f6 FF, and was appointed in December after Nancy departed for Scottish powerhouse Celtic FC.<\/p>\n The early-season struggles belie a proven squad that includes US international Max Arfsten<\/a> and Cape Verde international Steven Moreira<\/a>, two defenders likely heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, DP forwards\u00a0Diego Rossi<\/a> and Wessam Abou Ali<\/a> have combined for 5g\/1a.<\/p>\n In search of solutions, Rydstr\u00f6m is also looking for the right midfield balance after MLS legend Darlington Nagbe retired<\/a> following the 2025 campaign. Andr\u00e9 Gomes<\/a> and Sekou Bangoura<\/a> were both added this winter to reinforce that positional group.<\/p>\n Who to watch<\/strong><\/p>\n Predicted XI<\/strong><\/p>\n Columbus have scored one goal in their last three games. Will Rydstr\u00f6m change things up, perhaps by giving DP attacker\u00a0D\u00e1niel Gazdag<\/a> a rare start? What about newcomer Nariman Akhundzada<\/a>?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n With just one win between them, Atlanta and Columbus crave all three points. Desperation \u2013 specifically, whoever best harnesses it to their advantage \u2013 could very well be the deciding factor at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n How to watch & stream<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
When<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
\n
Where<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n