Atlanta United's forward group will be a unique on this season against Toronto FC Sunday afternoon, as Miguel Almirón starts up front alongside Saba Lobjanidze and Luke Brennan. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. as the 5-Stripes play their first home match in MLS regular season play in nearly a month.
Deila's lineup features a couple of key changes from last time out against Colorado Rapids, one of which being Jayden Hibbert starting in goal. The former MLS SuperDraft pick has started twice for Atlanta United this season, and he made his MLS debut against this very Toronto FC side in Canada July 12. He saved nine shots in his last start against Atlas FC in Leagues Cup August 6.
Pedro Amador returns to the starting XI for the first time since Atlanta United played Seattle Sounders July 26— coincidentally their most recent MLS regular season match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The fullback will bring his two-way tendencies to the left side of the 5-Stripes defense, and he'll feature alongside Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj and Ronald Hernández in a back four.
In the midfield, Tristan Muyumba returns alongside Bartosz Slisz and Alexey Miranchuk. Will Reilly and Muyumba have been trading starts in the middle of the park in recent matches, and Sunday afternoon it'll be the Parisian's turn to impress.
Joining Saba Lobjanidze up top will be the captain Almirón and Atlanta United Homegrown Brennan. The ATLien will make his fifth start of the season, two of which came in Leagues cup.
Here's the full starting XI for Atlanta United vs Toronto FC:
Jayden Hibbert, Ronald Hernández, Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj, Pedro Amador, Bartosz Slisz, Tristan Muyumba, Alexey Miranchuk, Saba Lobjanidze, Miguel Almirón (C), Luke Brennan
Reserves: Brad Guzan, Brooks Lennon, Nyk Sessock, Juan Berrocal, Steven Alzate, Will Reilly, Leo Afonso, Jamal Thiaré, Cayman Togashi
Match Notes:
-- Saba Lobjanidze recently picked up his 20th assist for Atlanta United in all competitions. The milestone came against Pumas in Leagues Cup August 2, and he became the seventh player in club history to reach that mark.
-- Miguel Almirón is just three assists away from tying Julian Gressel for second most in assists in club history over all competitions. He has 36 in his career, Gressel has 39, and fullback Brooks Lennon leads all-time 5-Stripes with 40.
-- Alexey Miranchuk comes into the match in rare form, having scored in three consecutive MLS matches for the 5-Stripes. He's now tied for the most goals by an Atlanta United player this season with eight.
-- According to the club's availability report Saturday, Atlanta United will be without designated player Emmanuel Latte Lath Sunday afternoon. The Ivorian forward is dealing with a hamstring injury. Matt Edwards and Jay Fortune are also listed as out.
-- In the reverse fixture of this matchup, the 5-Stripes scored the latest goal in regular season club history: a penalty kick in the 101st minute.
-- The 5-Stripes are 4-1-4 in MLS home matches against Toronto. Atlanta United has outscored The Reds 16-11 at MBS in those battles.
