It's Latin Heritage Night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Atlanta United's match against San Diego FC. Flags will be flying all over the stadium, with fans representing the colors of their countries with pride. It'll be a sight to see in the stands, not to mention what should be a fiery matchup on the pitch for the 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
A new starter will step onto the pitch for the 5-Stripes. Summer window loan signing Juan Berrocal is in line to get his first start as an Atlanta United player. He has appeared in five matches already, but Saturday afternoon will be different. He'll stand in line with his teammates as they process out onto the pitch, listen to the national anthem, shake hands with the opposing side.
Berrocal came to Atlanta to make an impact on winning, and he'll have his best opportunity to do so. The center back will join Stian Gregersen, Ronald Hernández and Pedro Amador in defending Jayden Hibbert's goal. Those four remain static from Atlanta United's last match and will look for a bounce-back result after a loss.
In the midfield, two key pieces return to the starting lineup. Bartosz Slisz returns from suspension alongside Alexey Miranchuk, who made just a substitute appearance last time out after returning from international break. Steven Alzate rounds out the midfield trio, perhaps the most fortified area of the park for Atlanta United Saturday.
Miranchuk's reintegration pushes Miguel Almirón back out to the wing, but this time he'll be on the left side of the Atlanta United attack. Saba Lobjanidze starts on the right, giving him the ability to drive to the endline on his dominant right foot.
At the No. 9 spot is the man in form, Jamal Thiaré. Though Emmanuel Latte Lath is healthy enough to feature, Thiaré was difficult to drop after scoring two second half goals in the 5-Stripes' near comeback last time out. The Ivorian forward will be available off the bench, a useful injection of pace should head coach Ronny Deila chose to go to him.
Here's the full starting XI for Atlanta United vs San Diego FC:
Jayden Hibbert, Ronald Hernández, Stian Gregersen, Juan Berrocal, Pedro Amador, Bartosz Slisz, Steven Alzate, Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón (C), Saba Lobjanidze, Jamal Thiaré
Reserves: Brad Guzan, Brooks Lennon, Enea Mihaj, Cooper Sanchez, Tristan Muyumba, Luke Brennan, Cayman Togashi, Leo Afonso, Emmanuel Latte Lath
Roster Notes:
-- Miguel Almirón is in line to make his 100th career appearance for Atlanta United in all competitions. The Paraguayan will captain the 5-Stripes in his milestone match.
-- Almirón made history last weekend as well, tying Thiago Almada for the second most goals in Atlanta United history with 26. Only Josef MartÃnez has more.
-- Jamal Thiare starts again after scoring a brace against Columbus Crew last Saturday. He moved up to 14 goals in all competitions in his Atlanta United career, tied for 10th on the club’s all-time scoring list.
-- Brooks Lennon added to his club-record assists total against Columbus Crew, picking up his 41st of his Atlanta United career. Miguel Almirón is third all-time with 37 assists.
-- Both teams are some of the best passing squads in MLS this season. San Diego FC is second in the league with an 88.1 percent completion percentage, and the 5-Stripes aren't far behind at 85.6, good for 10th in MLS.
-- This will be the first ever meeting between Atlanta United and San Diego FC. The new MLS side are first in the Western Conference this season.
-- Emmanuel Latte Lath returns to matchday eligibility according to the club's availability report Friday. The forward will start on the bench, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him appear at some point in the evening.
