Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew: Everything to know for Walmart Saturday Showdown Atlanta United and Columbus Crew will clash in a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup on Saturday, April 4, as part of Matchday 6’s Walmart Saturday Showdown. The game, set for 7:30 pm ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, promises to be a critical test for both teams as they navigate the early stages of the 2026 MLS season. The match carries added significance as both clubs seek to turn their recent struggles into momentum, with the winner likely to emerge as a stronger contender in the conference race. Atlanta United, currently ranked 10th in the Eastern Conference with four points from their first five matches, has shown signs of improvement under head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino. The Colombian tactician, who previously guided the club to an MLS Cup title in 2018, took over after a disappointing 14th-place finish in the 2025 season. Martino’s return has coincided with a resurgence for the Five Stripes, who have gone undefeated in their last two games after a three-game losing streak to start the year. The team’s recent performance has been bolstered by their high-profile Designated Player trio: Miguel Almirón, Emmanuel Latte Lath, and Alexey Miranchuk. Almirón, a former Newcastle United star and club legend, played a pivotal role in Atlanta’s lone victory of the season, a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union on Matchday 4. The Uruguayan midfielder delivered his first-ever MLS hat-trick of assists, while Latte Lath, Atlanta’s record signing from Middlesbrough, and Miranchuk, the Russian international, both scored. These contributions have positioned the Five Stripes as a team with potential, though their inconsistent start to the season highlights the challenges they face.#columbus_crew #atlanta_united #mercedes_benz_stadium #gerardo_tata_martino #miguel_almirn
