At Mercedes-Benz Stadium, excitement is in the air. Atlanta United is set to make a serious statement as they prepare to face FC Cincinnati.
For the first time since May 3, Saba Lobjanidze is in the starting lineup. He’s been impressive off the bench, showing his skills by assisting in a crucial equalizer against Austin FC.
Head coach Ronny Deila is sticking to his five-at-the-back formation, which has brought renewed confidence. This approach will be tested against a top FC Cincinnati team, but it gives Atlanta’s players a chance to shine.
Lobjanidze and Pedro Amador will be key wing backs. They need to defend well while also pushing up the field to create scoring opportunities.
In defense, Matt Edwards moves from right back to play center back alongside Derrick Williams and Luis Abram. This shift aims to strengthen their backline.
The midfield trio consists of Jay Fortune, Bartosz Slisz, and Alexey Miranchuk. This group balances defensive and offensive roles well, with Miranchuk set to reach a milestone of 400 professional appearances.
Up front, Miguel Almirón teams up with Emmanuel Latte Lath. These two have been working well together. Latte Lath is eager to score, having not found the net since March.
Here’s the starting lineup for the match against FC Cincinnati:
- Brad Guzan (C)
- Saba Lobjanidze
- Matt Edwards
- Derrick Williams
- Luis Abram
- Pedro Amador
- Jay Fortune
- Alexey Miranchuk
- Bartosz Slisz
- Miguel Almirón
- Emmanuel Latte Lath
Reserves:
- Josh Cohen
- Noah Cobb
- Efraín Morales
- Ronald Hernández
- Mateusz Klich
- Will Reilly
- Edwin Mosquera
- Luke Brennan
- Jamal Thiaré
A few roster notes to consider:
- Alexey Miranchuk, with 69 goals and 75 assists, is about to hit 400 club appearances, a significant achievement in anyone’s career.
- Brad Guzan has been a consistent presence in goal and leads the MLS with 51 saves this season.
- Emmanuel Latte Lath has been effective, scoring five goals this season.
- Derrick Williams has been on a roll defensively, clearing the ball impressively in recent matches.
Historically, Atlanta holds a 3-2-2 record against FC Cincinnati at home but has not won this matchup since a commanding 4-0 victory in 2021. As May 25 marks World Football Day, this is only the second time Atlanta United plays on this date, recalling a 1-0 loss to LAFC last year.
Unfortunately, Stian Gregersen, Tristan Muyumba, and Brooks Lennon will not be available for this match, adding a challenge to the team’s depth.
With this lineup and context, Atlanta United is geared up for a big match. Fans will be watching closely as the team aims to regain its winning form.
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Atlanta United FC,News,Matchday,Starting XI,ATLvsCIN 05-25-2025