Atlanta United v Chicago Fire: 'We are taking big steps forward', says Deila

Atlanta United head coach Ronny Deila believes his team are making "big steps forward" despite their poor run of form in the MLS.

Atlanta are winless in their last five league matches, registering two draws and three losses since their last victory, which came against Orlando City SC on May 28. 

However, both of the Five Stripes' draws have come in their last two games, with Emmanuel Latte Lath's late penalty salvaging a point against Toronto FC last time out. 

In that match, Atlanta accumulated an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.32 to their opponents 0.72, while also having a goal disallowed in the first half. 

And although they were unable to snatch all three points, Deila's priorities lie elsewhere ahead of their upcoming league encounter with the Chicago Fire. 

"I don't think about result, I think about performances," said Deila.

"This was one of our best performances away [from home]. It was a big step forward. It was a team that worked really hard, a team that was organised, a team that was disciplined and patient.

"We should have won the game, but we are not accurate enough in the final third of the pitch yet. That will come but we defended well as a team. We didn't give them anything expect from the goal.

"I was very proud of the team. It was something I want to see more often, but this is basic [level required]. That will come with confidence and [building] relations and timing in what we are doing."

Atlanta are currently 12th in the Eastern Conference, two places and nine points behind their next opponent, Chicago.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Atlanta United – Emmanuel Latte Lath

Latte Lath has been a key performer for Atlanta this season. The striker leads the club with six goals, three of those having been the crucial first of the match.

His goal against Toronto last time out was, however, his first since March 29 against New York City FC, and he will be keen to get a good run of form going here. 

Chicago Fire – Hugo Cuypers

Chicago have been spearheaded in the final third by Cuypers, who has netted on 12 occasions. The striker is tied for fifth among the league's top scorers in 2025.

Cuypers also scored in his last match and has surpassed his MLS goal tally from last season (10) in 11 fewer games.

MATCH PREDICTION – ATLANTA UNITED WIN

Three of the last six meetings have ended as a draw between the two sides, while Atlanta won two of the other three fixtures.

However, Chicago won the last MLS meeting between the clubs, emerging victorious 2-1 at Soldier Field in May.

Hosts Atlanta United have four wins, three draws, and three losses this season in 10 MLS contests at home. Chicago have six wins and five losses on their travels this season in league matches.

In their last six league matches, Atlanta United have won one, drawn two and lost three. Chicago, meanwhile, have won two and lost four in their last six.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Atlanta United – 53.3%

Draw – 23.9%

Chicago Fire – 22.8%