Head coach Ronny Deila is making some key changes to his starting lineup ahead of a rivalry match with everything to play for. The 5-Stripes' gaffer replaces four of the starters he named earlier in the week in Atlanta United's 2-2 draw with Chicago Fire Wednesday night. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be open for full capacity as the 5-Stripes host Charlotte FC at a massive moment in the season.
Deila spoke after the draw in the midweek about how he wants his team to respond as the season charges on and picking up points become all the more important.
"We have to start winning if you're going to talk about playoffs, that's for sure," Deila said Wednesday night, "so we need to work with our performances."
That urgency is on full display, as the head coach has made four changes to his lineup from Wednesday, three of which come on the backline. Derrick Williams makes his return from injury, starting at center back for the first time since June 12. Ronald Hernández slots into the right back position, and Matt Edwards returns to the starting XI at left back. Only EfraÃn Morales holds his position in the defense, as Deila fields a group that may be more defensively inclined than on Wednesday.
The midfield remains the same as it has for the last few matches: Tristan Muyumba, Bartosz Slisz and Alexey Miranchuk. Slisz earned a secondary assist on Miranchuk's longshot goal in the second half, as the middle of the park has come into its own in terms of goalscoring production in recent home matches.
Up front, Miguel Almirón captains for the third consecutive match alongside Emmanuel Latte Lath. On their left is a first-time starter, Atlanta's very own Luke Brennan. He's made three-straight substitute appearances and will get a huge chance to impress the 17s and his manager against Charlotte.
Here's the full starting XI for Atlanta United vs Charlotte FC:
Brad Guzan, Ronald Hernández, EfraÃn Morales, Derrick Williams, Matt Edwards, Bartosz Slisz, Tristan Muyumba, Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón (C), Emmanuel Latte Lath, Luke Brennan
Reserves: Jayden Hibbert, Luis Abram, Brooks Lennon, Pedro Amador, Mateusz Klich, Will Reilly, Saba Lobjanidze, Jamal Thiaré, Cayman Togashi
Roster Notes:
-- Derrick Williams will start for the first time since he injured his foot against New York City FC June 12. The center back is set to make his 15th appearance for the 5-Stripes this season.
-- Brad Guzan is set to make his 300th career MLS regular season appearance. He returned from a cheek injury Wednesday night, making seven saves against Chicago Fire.
-- Bartosz Slisz features in the midfield and will make his 50th start for Atlanta United. He would become the 28th player in club history to reach that mark.
-- Matt Edwards returns to the starting XI for the first time since June 25. Opposite of him at right back, Ronald Hernández will be on the pitch from the opening whistle for the first time since June 12.
-- Luke Brennan makes his first career MLS start. He was a member of Atlanta United's inaugural Academy class and has worked his way up the ranks of the club to earn the starting nod.
-- The 5-Stripes are fifth in MLS in distance covered per match this season. As a team, they're running 72.3 miles per match.
