MLS All-Stars vs Juventus: Match preview

UNBEATEN START ON US TOUR

The Bianconeri have won their first two matches of the #CONTAJUS Tour, defeating Bayern 2-0 in Philadelphia thanks to a Andrea Favili brace.

Last time out, Juventus were the victors over Benfica in New Jersey, with the Portuguese side taking the lead through a sensational Alex Grimaldo free-kick in the second half, before an equally stunning goal by Luca Clemenza in the 84th minute sent the game to penalties. Mattia Perin saved the fourth effort from Benfica and Alex Sandro converted his PK to give the Bianconeri a 4-2 shootout win.

MLS ALL-STARS: WHO MAKES THE CUT?

This year will be the 23rd annual Major League Soccer All-Stars match, with the team coached by former Barcelona and Argentina manager, Gerardo Martino.

A whole host of names have been selected by a combination of the fans, the manager and the MLS for the tie. The players selected include United States goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, whose Atlanta United side currently lead the way in the MLS Eastern Conference. Matt Hedges of FC Dallas who are top of the MLS Western Conference, Argentina international, Diego Valeri of Portland Timbers, current MLS topscorer former Torino forward and now Atlanta United player, Josef Martinez. Ex-Arsenal striker and MLS All-Stars captain, Carlos Vela currently of Los Angeles FC, former Charlton Athletic striker, Bradley Wright-Philips of New York Red Bulls, and of course former Juventus striker, Sebastian Giovinco now plying his trade at Toronto FC.

STADIUM STATS & FACTS

Vs: MLS All-Stars (Wednesday 01 August, 19:30 EDT local; Thursday 02 August 01:30 CEST)

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Capacity: 83,000

Home team: Atlanta Falcons (NFL) Atlanta United (MLS)

About: Opened on 26 August 2017, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a newly built stadium located in Atlanta, Georgia, with current occupants the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and new MLS franchise, Atlanta United.

The stadium boasts the largest video board in sports that wraps around the ceiling in a full 360-degrees, measuring at 58 feet tall and 1,075 feet in circumference, totalling 62,350 square feet of light-emitting diodes and containing more than 37 million LEDs.

On 11 March 2018, Atlanta United played an MLS regular season match against D.C. United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium setting the record for the largest crowd in MLS history, with 72,035 fans in attendance.

The stadium is set to host Super Bowl LIII in 2019