ATL Standard

Atlanta United is preparing for its upcoming match against FC Cincinnati, maintaining a straightforward approach despite facing challenges. The team will be without eight first-team players due to the international break, yet head coach Ronny Deila emphasizes simplicity and discipline in training.

Alexey Miranchuk commented on the team's focus: “It’s simple demands from Ronny. First of all, just be 100% every time. Be together.” With several players absent, Deila sees this as an opportunity for others to step up and show their capabilities.

The team faces questions about lineup changes, particularly at right center back and defensive midfield. Derrick Williams is expected to play as left-footed center back, while options like Matt Edwards or Ronald Hernández might fill other roles. In midfield, Adyn Torres and Will Reilly are potential candidates to replace missing players.

Deila expressed confidence in his squad's depth: “The good thing and exciting thing is that we have to use other players, and then they get the opportunity to show themselves.”

Despite recent scoring struggles, Atlanta United remains optimistic about converting opportunities into goals. The team has generated a high number of expected goals but has not fully capitalized on these chances. Miranchuk acknowledged the high expectations: “I understand that everybody in the beginning wanted to see us straight [away score] three, four goals during the game... hopefully we can get there.”

Facing FC Cincinnati presents a challenge, especially with key player Kévin Denkey also absent for the opposition. However, Deila sees this match as an opportunity for Atlanta United: “[If we] do a good result there, we light up the whole place... It's a tough game, but at the same time, we have shown in [preseason] that we can get match them.”