Atlanta United is coming to the match against Inter Miami with several players out. Between injuries and eight players with their National Teams during the October FIFA window, head coach Ronny Deila will field a completely different lineup in Fort Lauderdale.
Originally, Atlanta was not going to play during this international break, but his match was postponed from the summer when Inter Miami was playing in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The defense is going to be one of the most prominent aspects of the game, as emphasized by Stian Gregersen and Deila earlier this week. Pedro Amador, Gregersen and Juan Berrocal remain in the Starting XI just like they did last week in the match at LAFC, but due to the absences of Enea Mihaj and Ronald Hernández (both on international duty), Dominik Chong-Qui will fill in along with Leo Afonso, who will make his first start for Atlanta against his former club. The Brazilian forward who's only played six minutes in the Regular Season with Atlanta this year, will be forced to play in the back as a right back to try to contain Miami's attack. Afonso joined Atlanta United on a transfer from Inter Miami during the summer.
After much speculation over the week, Lionel Messi will play play for Inter Miami, which will be added pressure for the midfield and backline. Messi was called up for the Argentina National Team friendly vs Venezuela Friday night in Miami, but decided not to play with La Albiceleste to help Miami clinch home field advantage in the post-season, and continue his fight for the Golden Boot with LAFC's Denis Bounga.
The middle of the park is where Atlanta United will look to set the tempo with Tristan Muyumba and Steve Alzate leading the charge. Another player who will make his first start for the club is homegrown Cooper Sanchez who made his first team debut last month.
Up front Emmanuel Latte Lath returns to the Starting XI after three matches coming in as a substitute, together with Jamal Thiaré. Due to the overwhelming number of absences for this match, Atlanta's bench will be made up of less players than usual, but will include a few Atlanta United 2 players who have been signed to Short-Term Agreements.
Here's the full starting XI for Atlanta United at Inter Miami CF:
- GK: Jayden Hibbert
- DF: Leo Afonso, Stian Gregersen, Juan Berrocal, Pedro Amador, Dominik Chong-Qui
- MD: Tristan Muyumba, Steven Alzate, Cooper Sanchez
- FW: Jamal Thiaré, Emmanuel Latte Lath
Reserves: Brad Guzan, Josh Cohen, Sal Mazzaferro, Rodrigo Neri, Cayman Togashi, Adyn Torres, Patrick Weah
Roster Notes:
- Leo Afonso and Cooper Sánchez will make their first start for Atlanta United
- Emmanuel Latte Lath returns to the Starting XI for the first time in four matches
- Sal Mazzaferro led ATL UTD 2 in minutes played starting in every single of his 27 appearances with the second team
- Rodrigo Neri was born in Miami, Florida and joined Atlanta United from LaLiga's Valencia CF Academy
- Adyn Torres and Patrick Weah make their first roster with the first team this season
