There's an old saying, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it,' which explains Atlanta United head coach Ronny Deila's approach to the starting lineup as his team visits New York Red Bulls on Saturday evening for the second matchup between the two Eastern Conference clubs this season. Deila is understandably rolling with what's working, going with the same formation he used to start each of Atlanta's most recent back-to-back home wins.
Atlanta United's third match in seven days brings one different aspect, however -- the 5-Stripes are on the road. The consecutive victories against FC Cincinnati and Orlando City SC both arrived in the familiarity of a raucous Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which was nominated this week for loudest MLS home Pitch by Newsweek. Playing away from that favorable environment will be a different kind of test for the 5-Stripes -- especially at a venue where Atlanta United has never won.
Like the formation, Deila's starting XI Saturday looks similar to previous matches and is identical to Sunday's against Cincinnati. Peruvian Luis Abram, veteran Derrick Williams and youngster Matt Edwards line up as the three center backs. Pedro Amador, who has been getting closer and closer to opening his account on the season, and Saba Lobjanidze serve as the wingbacks. In the midfield, the versatile Jay Fortune accompanies two of the midweek heroes in Atlanta United's derby win over Orlando City, Alexey Miranchuk and Bartosz Slisz. Leading the attack are Emmanuel Latte Lath and Miguel Almirón, who have scored a combined eight goals so far this season.
That leaves Jamal Thiaré available on the bench. The Senegalese striker is coming off two stoppage-time goals this week, including the deciding finish in Atlanta's win over the purple team. Thiaré along with Mateusz Klich have brought energy and determination as super subs for Atlanta as of late, and the two are on hold to play difference makers once again for Deila, if needed.
While Atlanta United has never won on the road against New York Red Bulls, there's hope the 5-Stripes could make history tonight in New Jersey given the team's current run. New York is also coming off back-to-back wins, which sets the table for a competitive Eastern Conference contest. Getting a result at Sports Illustrated Stadium would certainly set the tone for Atlanta United's upcoming slate of six straight matches on the road.
Here's the starting XI for Atlanta United at New York Red Bulls:
Brad Guzan (C), Luis Abram, Derrick Williams, Matt Edwards, Pedro Amador, Jay Fortune, Bartosz Slisz, Alexey Miranchuk, Saba Lobjanidze, Miguel Almirón, Emmanuel Latte Lath
Reserves: Jayden Hibbert, Luke Brennan, Noah Cobb, Ronald Hernández, Mateusz Klich, Brooks Lennon, Edwin Mosquera, Will Reilly, Jamal Thiaré
Roster Notes:
-- Last time out, goalkeeper Brad Guzan made his 250th appearance for the club across all competitions.
-- Against Orlando City SC, Alexey Miranchuk became the first Atlanta United player with at least three goal contributions in a single match since March 9, 2024. He tallied a goal, assist and secondary assist on the night.
-- Miranchuk's reward for his legendary night was a spot on MLS Team of the Matchday. On the bench was teammate Bartosz Slisz, another midweek goal scorer whose banger in the 83rd minute earned second place in the MLS Goal of the Matchday vote behind only Lionel Messi.
-- Saturday against Red Bulls will mark Saba Lobjanidze's third consecutive start. The Georgian attacker has been dangerous at the right wingback position. He recorded his sixth assist of this season Wednesday against Orlando, which leads the team.
-- Brooks Lennon is available as a reserve for Deila. The defender has been working his way back from a shorterm hamstring injury.
-- Backup goalkeeper Josh Cohen joins two others on Friday's Availability Report for Atlanta United.
-- This will be the 20th all-time meeting between Red Bulls and Atlanta. New York leads the series with a 10-3-6 record. Atlanta United has never won on the road against New York Red Bulls. The two clubs met previously on Matchday 3 and played to a scoreless draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
-- Following tonight's match will be the second FIFA international break of the year, running June 2-10. Atlanta United had the most international callups out of any MLS club in March and will likely see some for the June window as well. Atlanta United does not play any MLS matches during the window. The club's next match will be on June 12 at Yankee Stadium against New York City FC.
