The first of three straight home matches for Atlanta United kicks off in a little more than an hour at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and this one has a unique edge to it.
Ronny Deila, Atlanta United head coach, managed New York City FC during his previous stint in Major League Soccer. The Norwegian coach led New York City to a 46-29-15 (W-L-D) record and the first MLS Cup title in the club's history.
It's a feat Deila hopes to reach again -- this time with Atlanta United. That starts with taking care of business at home. Turning Mercedes-Benz Stadium into a fortress is a belief Deila has held going back all the way to his introductory press conference, and his group could use this three-match homestand to do just that.
Two starters who will be looking to carry forward their play from the team's most recent home match are Emmanuel Latte Lath and Brooks Lennon. The pair connected for the opening goal against Inter Miami CF on March 16, a lead that held until the 20th minute when Lionel Messi equalized.
Latte Lath also scored last week on the road at FC Cincinnati, becoming the third Atlanta United player to score at least four goals in his first five games with the club. The Ivorian's four goals in his inaugural season leads the squad and puts him tied for third in the Golden Boot standings.
His counterpart on the Miami goal was Lennon, whose assist on the play moved him up to the top spot in club history for assists all-time, tied with Julian Gressel. An assist Saturday night against NYCFC would mean history for Lennon and put him as the sole leader in club history.
Here's the full starting XI for Atlanta United against New York City FC:
Brad Guzan (C), Brooks Lennon, Stian Gregersen, Derrick Williams, Pedro Amador, Bartosz Slisz, Mateusz Klich, Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón, Saba Lobjanidze, Emmanuel Latte Lath
Reserves: Josh Cohen, Luis Abram, Luke Brennan, Dominik Chong Qui, Matt Edwards, Jay Fortune, Will Reilly, Xande Silva, Cayman Togashi
*NOTE: Pedro Amador was a late scratch. Dominik Chong Qui made the start. It's the first career MLS start for Chong Qui.
Match Notes:
-- Bartosz Slisz is celebrating his birthday on March 29. The Polish international recently made an appearance for his national team in the country's 2-0 win over Malta during the March break.
-- Mateusz Klich appears in the starting XI for the first time since the home opener on February 22. The Atlanta United midfielder has battled flu-like symptoms and a quad injury, but is good to go Saturday for his second start of 2025.
-- Atlanta United signed Dominik Chong Qui to a short-term agreement for the match. This is the fourth and final short-term agreement of the season for the 17-year-old defender.
-- This is the first of three consecutive home matches for Atlanta United. After New York City FC, they host FC Dallas on April 5 and New England Revolution on April 12.
-- Miguel Almirón is two goals shy of moving up to second place all-time in scoring for the club. The midfielder recorded an assist, the 50th goal contribution in his MLS regular season career, in his joyful return during Atlanta's 3-2 win over Montréal.
-- Cayman Togashi recorded his first goal contribution for Atlanta United, a secondary assist, in last weekend's 2-2 draw at FC Cincinnati. The Japanese striker has scored 49 goals in his professional career. His next goal would be No. 50 and his first goal in his Atlanta United career.
-- Atlanta United owns an all-time series record of 4-8-5 (W-L-T) against New York City FC in MLS play, including regular season and playoffs. Three of those wins for the 5-Stripes have come at home.
