One of the many Atlanta United's recent signing to strengthen the squad for the second half of the season will make his first start with the 5-Stripes. Colombian-English midfielder Steven Alzate will pair up with Bartosz Slisz in the holding midfield, as the front four also sees some changes compared to last week's draw vs Toronto.
Miguel Almirón goes back to the right wing, with Luke Brennan back in the starting lineup on the left, while Alexey Miranchuk will be the number 10 for today's encounter. Jamal Thiaré will be the team's sole striker after he played some minutes last match, in place for Emmanuel Latte Lath who is still recovering from an injury.
Jayden Hibbert makes his second consecutive start of the season, and fourth in 2025 all competitions, following his first clean sheet against Toronto last Sunday. The defense lead by Stian Gregersen and Enea Mihaj will have plenty of work to do, as Nashville's forward Sam Surrgidge is the League's top scorer this season with 20 goals. Ronald Hernández and Pedro Amador are once again the 5-Stripes' fullbacks.
Here's the full starting XI for Atlanta United vs Toronto FC:
- GK: Jayden Hibbert
- DEF: Ronald Hernández, Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj, Pedro Amador
- MED: Bartosz Slisz, Steven Alzate, Alexey Miranchuk,
- FOR: Miguel Almirón (C), Luke Brennan, Jamal Thiaré
Reserves: Brad Guzan, Leo Afonso, Juan Berrocal, Brooks Lennon, Tristan Muyumba, Will Reilly, Saba Lobjanidze, Nyk Sessock, Cayman Togashi
Match Notes:
- Jamal Thiaré has the most shots on target per match for Atlanta United this season (1.1)
- Saba Lobjanidze, who might come in as a substitute, has created the most big chances for the club (11)
- The Starting XI team vs Nashville has scored a total of 14 goals this season
- Jayden Hibbert who makes his first consecutive start in his career, has allowed just one goal in two MLS Regular Season matches
- Atlanta United and Nashville have already played this season to a 1-1 draw (May 3, 2025), the same result when Atlanta last traveled to the Music City last year.
- Atlanta United has only won once in seven visits to Nashville in MLS Regular Season history.
- Following the match, seven of the players in Nashville will travel to join their respective national teams for the September FIFA International Window, when Almirón (Paraguay) and Hernández (Venezuela) have a chance to qualify their nations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
