Atlanta United's road run is nearly over, and they're taking a rather patriotic stop as they take on D.C. United the day after the Fourth of July. The 5-Stripes and their Eastern Conference foes kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV's MLS Season Pass.
Head coach Ronny Deila praised his squad's week of training when he spoke to media Thursday. For the D.C. match, he's stuck with the 5-3-2 formation that earned Atlanta key wins at home as they look to translate that success to an away game.
EfraÃn Morales makes his second-straight start at center back. The Bolivian International started against D.C. United last season on June 19 and was a key component of Atlanta United's efforts to contain forward Christian Benteke. Morales will be joined by Luis Abram and Pedro Amador in the back three, the first time Amador has started as a central defender this season.
Saba Lobjanidze is back in the starting XI at wing back, and Brooks Lennon lines up opposite of him on the right side. Lennon is fresh off his first goal of the season, a second-half goal in Atlanta United's 3-1 defeat to Columbus Crew June 25. Lobjanidze leads the 5-Stripes with six assists this season, and he's been a real threat even as he's lined up further back in the formation.
In the midfield, Will Reilly gets his third start of the season, and he'll line up alongside Mateusz Klich and Alexey Miranchuk. The trio provides balance, as Klich and Reilly fulfill more defensive responsibilities, allowing Miranchuk the freedom to roam and pick out forward passes.
Latte Lath and Almirón form a forward partnership for the second-straight match, and Deila has put the two up front together often since the switch to the 5-3-2. The two lead Atlanta United in goal contributions, and they'll be tasked with putting the finishing touches on Atlanta United attacks. Latte Lath is looking for his first goal since March 29.
Here's the full starting XI for Atlanta United at D.C. United:
Brad Guzan (C), Brooks Lennon, EfraÃn Morales, Luis Abram, Pedro Amador, Saba Lobjanidze, Mateusz Klich, Will Reilly, Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón, Emmanuel Latte Lath
Reserves: Jayden Hibbert, Dominik Chong Qui, Noah Cobb, Matt Edwards, Ronald Hernández, Tristan Muyumba, Luke Brennan, Jamal Thiaré, Cayman Togashi
Roster Notes:
-- Will Reilly earns his third start of the 2025 season. The Atlanta United Homegrown midfielder has impressed with his few chances to play from the first whistle, particularly in the 5-Stripes' away draw with FC Cincinnati March 22.
-- Saba Lobjanidze returns to the starting lineup for the first time since June 12. The attacker is set to play at wing back, a position he's been tasked with playing on multiple occasions this season.
-- Mateusz Klich will play his first match against his former team. Klich was traded from D.C. United to Atlanta United in December of 2024.
-- Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón, Latte Lath and Lobjanidze hold down starting spots as Atlanta United's most proficient goal creators this season. All four have six goal contributions in the 2025 MLS regular season.
-- The 5-Stripes are 10-7-1 (W-L-D) all-time against D.C. United, and this one could come down the final moments. This season, the teams have scored three goals each in the 90th minute or later.
-- Atlanta United will be without Stian Gregersen, Derrick Williams, Josh Cohen and Jay Fortune due to injuries according to the club's availability report Friday. Bartosz Slisz is also ineligible due to suspension for Yellow Card Accumulation.
