Atlanta United will field a new forward trio in their home match against Toronto FC on Sunday, with Miguel Almirón joining Saba Lobjanidze and Luke Brennan up front. The match is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m., marking Atlanta’s first Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in nearly a month.
Head coach Ronny Deila has made several changes to the lineup compared to the team’s previous outing against the Colorado Rapids. Jayden Hibbert will start as goalkeeper. Hibbert, a former MLS SuperDraft pick, has started twice for Atlanta this season and made his MLS debut against Toronto FC in Canada on July 12. He recorded nine saves in his last appearance against Atlas FC during the Leagues Cup on August 6.
Pedro Amador returns to the starting eleven for the first time since Atlanta’s match against Seattle Sounders on July 26, which was also their most recent home league game. Amador joins Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj, and Ronald Hernández in defense.
The midfield sees Tristan Muyumba return alongside Bartosz Slisz and Alexey Miranchuk. Will Reilly and Muyumba have alternated starts recently, with Muyumba set to feature this weekend.
Captain Miguel Almirón leads the attack along with Lobjanidze and Homegrown player Brennan, who will make his fifth start of the season.
The full starting lineup includes: Jayden Hibbert; Ronald Hernández, Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj, Pedro Amador; Bartosz Slisz, Tristan Muyumba, Alexey Miranchuk; Saba Lobjanidze, Miguel Almirón (captain), Luke Brennan.
The reserves are Brad Guzan, Brooks Lennon, Nyk Sessock, Juan Berrocal, Steven Alzate, Will Reilly, Leo Afonso, Jamal Thiaré, and Cayman Togashi.
“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.”
