Availability report and match preview: Atlanta United gears up for all-important Philly clash

Two teams in need of a result. Two sides well familiar with each other. Saturday afternoon will be a true battle.

Atlanta United will face off against Philadelphia Union with an early 3 p.m. kickoff March 14 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In a home fixture the 5-Stripes have a history of success in, a positive result feels all the more imperative. Head coach Tata Martino spoke to media after training today and broke down a variety of the most pressing topics regarding his squad. First, though, a look at who all will be a part of the matchday squad for Atlanta:

Another light availability report

Juan Berrocal will be questionable for Saturday's match as Martino said he's dealing with some "discomfort". The 5-Stripes will still be without Will Reilly, who has missed each of the first three matches. Tata said that Jay Fortune, who is recovering from a foot surgery last season, will see a half of action with Atlanta United 2 this weekend. The Trinidadian national is not listed with an injury on the availability report.

Paraguayan influence

Miguel Almirón now has a paisano in the side, and he might even start alongside him Saturday. Paraguayan midfielder Matías Galarza, signed to the 5-Stripes early last week, made his club debut in a substitute appearance last Saturday. He spoke to media for the first time in his new club colors Friday, revealing how much Almirón and Martino has helped in his transition to living in Atlanta. 

"The truth is it helps a lot, having Miguel here ... Having Tata has helped with the adaptation process. The fact that all my teammates have been very welcoming and helpful since I arrived," Galarza said, "You can notice that on the field."

Tata has substantial ties to Paraguay, having coached the national team in the late 2000s. Galarza's familiarity with the esteemed manager played a role in his transfer, as well as the fact that the midfielder regards Atlanta as "one of the biggest clubs in MLS."

"Tata is very loved in Paraguay," Galarza said. "The Paraguayan culture is one that fights a lot, that's very committed. Those are things that Tata speaks to us about."

Both Martino and Galarza agree on where he'll slot into the team best: as a left-sided No. 8 midfielder. The role allows the Paraguayan to get forward into the box but also drop back and provide deeper defensive support out of possession. 

The tactical nuances are important, but Martino's requirement for Galarza and the entire Atlanta United side is more about their motor. The signing from River Plate should provide that almost instantly. We'll see tomorrow if the new addition will be a starter for the bout with Philadelphia — if not, a substitute appearance could be in the cards again. 

"He's a player who's dynamic," Martino said. "Something that's coming from players coming from [the] Argentinian [league] is intensity. He has intensity that stands out."

Philadelphian preparation

The Union come into this fixture in a similar predicament to Atlanta United, yet to pick up a point this season. A familiar Eastern Conference opponent, the 5-Stripes have had plenty of fiery battles with Philly in the past, and Atlanta has won or drawn eight of the nine matches they've played at home. They'll look to continue history and erase last year's home defeat from their memory Saturday.

Martino's "protagonist" philosophy was on display at points during Atlanta United's Home Opener, even in a loss. The attack looked willing and fluid, and players were beginning to understand where their teammates would be, leading to 57.7% possession. 

Martino knows it's unrealistic to ask his side to always dominate the ball, and that that might not translate to 3 points every time out. But his mentality, one that he wants his team to share, will not change. 

"To adjust to the way to the team wants to play, that's the style that we want, to be the protagonist in every match," Martino said in Spanish after training Friday. "That also means every player has to be brave on the field. We understand that not every game is going to end up with us being the protagonist, but that is the message and the style that we want to play, and so that's what we're trying to do."

The battle with Union will prove an interesting wrinkle for Tata's usually-press-heavy tactics. Philadelphia loves to play direct, with two central forwards up top. 

"It's difficult to press them because they play so direct and so long to the forwards," Martino said. 

So the 5-Stripes will have to be flexible as to how much they push forward out of possession, and they'll have to take their chances when they do recover the ball. Part of that effort could be 17-year-old Cooper Sanchez, who has made three consecutive starts to begin the season. 

Sanchez, who spoke to media Tuesday after making his first career start in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, spoke about just what it means to achieve that milestone in such a special venue.

"I got chills, honestly," Sanchez said. "I was like 'Wow, this is really happening.'" 

Full of energetic 17s, MBS is that kind of place, one that raises the hairs on the back of your neck with the roars of goal celebrations. Atlanta United will look to pair that sound with the noise of celebration after 3 points Saturday afternoon.