BOTTOM LINE: Atlanta United and the New York Red Bulls hit the pitch in conference play. United is 8-9-7 against Eastern Conference opponents. United ranks seventh in the Eastern Conference with 156 shots on goal, averaging 4.9 per game.

The New York Red Bulls will visit Atlanta United on Saturday, aiming to sweep their two-match road trip. New York (11-7-14, 47 points) is coming off a 4-1 midweek victory at Toronto FC in response to a 5-1 loss at home to New York City FC last weekend.

Sean Nealis returns to the Starting XI, alongside Andrés Reyes, Noah Eile. This will be the 16th overall regular season meeting between New York and Atlanta, with the Red Bulls holding the advantage in the overall series with a 9-1-5 mark. New York have posted a 4-1-2 mark in Atlanta.

Rob Valentino questioned Atlanta United’s mentality after their recent drop in form and hopes to find a solution before meeting the New York Red Bulls in MLS. The Five Stripes are winless in their last four matches,

In this episode of the podcast “Southern Fried Soccer,” host Doug Roberson of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reviews Atlanta United’s 2-1 loss to Montreal and previews Saturday’s match against the New York Red Bulls.