Availability Report: Atlanta United prepares for record-high temperatures in Austin

Welcome to the Tuesday edition of Atlanta United's Availability Report. The schedule is a little different this week for Atlanta United as the team heads into their first midweek match of the regular season. A second report will come later in the week ahead of the club's return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium Saturday night, a conference fixture that will conclude a congested stretch of three matches in eight days for the 5-Stripes.

But first, a duel in the heart of Texas. Atlanta United travels to face Western Conference opponent Austin FC on Wednesday, May 13 for just the second all-time meeting between the two sides. This will be Atlanta's first-ever trip to Q2 Stadium, and the Texas environment will be fierce. Temperatures hitting triple digits are expected in Austin and are the reason why Major League Soccer pushed back the start time for Wednesday's match to 9 p.m. ET.

Atlanta United will need fresh legs and rested bodies to withstand the exorbitant heat -- and get the club's first road result since March 22 against FC Cincinnati. The Texas test comes during a tough run of form for the 5-Stripes, but the team is looking to, more than ever, get out of this six-match winless rut and live up to the potential many expected from preseason.

"We are still having an aim for the season," head coach Ronny Deila told reporters Monday. "We are not halfway, so a lot of things can happen. It’s about getting consistency in what we’re doing and get some confidence through a win. Our chance is now on Wednesday.”

Atlanta's head coach is preparing his team to play smart against the sizzling elements, but he'll have to do so without two of his starting fullbacks at his disposal. Both Pedro Amador and Brooks Lennon are out for Wednesday's match along with center back Stian Gregersen, which means Atlanta United will be without three experienced defenders to help their numbers.

The challenge for the 5-Stripes when facing the heat in a difficult road environment will be about discipline and consistency.

"We also need to use our squad right because I'm sure some are going to be tired," Deila said. "We need to be very organized. If you start to press one-on-one, then we're going to be blown up after after 30 minutes. That's something many teams have experienced before."