Despite sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference and 14 points adrift of the playoffs, Miguel Almiron is confident that Atlanta United can make a late push to reach the postseason. 

It has been a difficult season for the Five Stripes in Ronny Deila's first campaign at the helm, with Atlanta last winning an MLS fixture on May 28 against Orlando City SC. 

Atlanta have drawn five of their last six league matches, the latest coming against fellow strugglers CF Montreal as Alexey Miranchuk snatched a late equaliser for his team.

They have nine MLS games remaining to save their season, but face tough tests against Nashville SC, Columbus Crew and Inter Miami in those final fixtures. 

However, Almiron remained positive of a strong end to the campaign ahead of travelling to Dick's Sporting Goods Park to take on the Colorado Rapids this weekend.

"We have to have ambition," Almiron said. "We're playing at Atlanta, it's a big club. Everyone on the team has to have the ambition that we want to fight for the playoffs. Mathematically, we're not eliminated yet, so there's still a chance.

"When I arrived, we were a group of a lot of new players, but after six or seven months, the connection is getting better and better. I'm [still] trying to help with goals and assists.

"Soccer is like that, and sometimes you go through these periods, but that's when you really learn about everything. [We] have to put in twice the amount of work to try and keep going and try to get Atlanta back to where we want."

Colorado, though, have playoff ambitions of their own. The Rapids are eighth in the Western Conference, two points clear of Real Salt Lake, who are just outside the cut-off line. 

They produced a brilliant display last time out, downing high-flyers Minnesota United 2-1 as Darren Yapi's quickfire brace held off Eric Ramsay's side. 

The Rapids have eight games of their campaign remaining, four of which come at home, and head coach Chris Armas is relishing the challenge Atlanta will provide. 

"There is real belief in this group," Armas said. "Now in our eight-game season, we want to keep putting ourselves in a good position, which I think we are in.

"Now, of course, back in Denver against a really talented squad in Atlanta, we will have to be at our best, and I say this is because they have top talent like Almiron.

"We love it. We love the challenge. Get back in front of our fans and get back to MLS play in front of our own fans and the chance to get one step closer.

"We are excited about the weekend, but it is one game at a time. I am proud of this group for the way that they stand tall and keep in the mix."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Colorado Rapids – Darren Yapi

During Colorado's triumph over Minnesota, Yapi wrote himself into Rapids history with his match-winning brace on Sunday.

Indeed, at 20 years, 264 days old, he became the youngest player in Rapids history to score multiple goals in a regular-season match, surpassing Junior Agogo's previous record (20 years, 302 days) in May 2000.

Atlanta United – Alexey Miranchuk

Miranchuk, who scored the equaliser against Montreal, has netted three goals in his last four appearances, including the last two in a row.

Each of his last two goals have levelled the encounter after the 85th minute (also vs. Seattle Sounders on July 26), though he will be keen to help his side to victory here.

MATCH PREDICTION: COLORADO RAPIDS WIN

Atlanta have won four of their five all-time meetings with Colorado, including a 4-0 home triumph the last time the sides met in May 2023. The Rapids' only positive result against Atlanta came in the Five Stripes' last visit to Colorado, a 3-0 win in March 2022.

However, Deila's team have struggled away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They are winless in 13 straight away matches in all competitions (D5 L8), though their last three on the road have all ended in draws.

Atlanta's only longer winless run on the road across all competitions was a 14-match drought from April to September 2022.

Colorado, meanwhile, have lost only one of their last four regular-season matches (W2 D1), including a win at Minnesota. The Rapids have posted back-to-back league wins just once since the beginning of April, defeating Real Salt Lake and St. Louis City in May.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Colorado Rapids – 42.1%

Draw – 26.7%

Atlanta United – 31.2%