Tristan Muyumba believes adaptability will be key when Atlanta United host the New England Revolution, in a meeting of two inconsistent Eastern Conference teams.

Atlanta sit 10th in the East after seven games of the season, registering two wins, three draws and two defeats. They were held to a 1-1 draw at home last time out, by FC Dallas.

That game saw midfielder Muyumba return from injury sooner than expected, two weeks after he was carried off during a 2-2 draw with FC Cincinnati.

Though New England are worse off than the Five Stripes, sitting 13th with four points from their first six matches, Muyumba feels it would be unwise to expect a straightforward game.

"Sometimes when you try to think about the game too early or play the game in your mind beforehand, the game is never what you prepared for," Muyumba said. 

"You have to be ready to be locked in and focus on every situation possible, but you also have to adapt to the game and what the opponent is doing."

Muyumba has assumed a key role in Rony Deila's team this season, registering the most tackles (three) and successful passes (58) against Dallas.

"Sometimes you live through some difficult moments, you get injuries, you have some issues," Muyumba said. 

"Sometimes you don't play, you're not involved as much as you want to be and your rhythm can get too low. 

"I'm happy because I'm in good condition physically and I know, when I'm good physically, I'm able to do some good performances."

Caleb Porter's Revs lost 1-0 at Cincinnati last time out, undoing their good work in a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls one week earlier – their only win of 2025. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Atlanta United – Miguel Almiron

Almiron scored Atlanta's lone goal from the penalty spot as they drew with Dallas last week.

That goal was Almiron's second since returning to Georgia but his 23rd regular-season strike for Atlanta overall, equalling Thiago Almada for the second-most in club history (Josef Martinez is first with 98).

New England Revolution – Carles Gil 

Gil has scored four goals in nine career regular-season matches against Atlanta, making them his second-favourite opponent in MLS. 

Only against Orlando City (five goals) has he netted more often in the competition. 

MATCH PREDICTION – ATLANTA UNITED WIN

New England have lost only one of their last eight matches against Atlanta (W5 D2) dating back to the start of the 2021 season. 

Atlanta went unbeaten through the first seven meetings between the sides (W5 D2), though. 

The hosts are in poor form, only winning one of their last six matches (D3 L2). They have managed just six wins in their last 21 regular-season matches dating back to last July (D7 L8).

But the Revs' terrible away record might inspire some hope for them here. New England have only taken one point from their last nine regular-season road trips in a run dating back to last season, only scoring four goals in those matches.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Atlanta United – 55.8%

New England Revolution – 21.4%

Draw – 22.8%