Steven Alzate Debuts in Starting XI for Atlanta United
Atlanta United travels to Music City tonight with a refreshed lineup, headlined by new signing Steven Alzate making his first start in red, black, and gold. The Colombian-English midfielder pairs with Bartosz Slisz in the holding midfield, aiming to give the 5-Stripes more balance against one of the Eastern Conference’s toughest attacks.
Head coach Ronny Deila has also shuffled his front four. Miguel Almirón returns to the right wing as captain, Luke Brennan slots in on the left, and Alexey Miranchuk takes on the No. 10 role. Up top, Jamal Thiaré leads the line after a strong cameo in last week’s draw with Toronto FC. Emmanuel Latte Lath remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Atlanta United Starting XI vs Nashville SC
- GK: Jayden Hibbert
- DEF: Ronald Hernández, Stian Gregersen, Enea Mihaj, Pedro Amador
- MID: 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 to Watch
- Debut Alert: Steven Alzate makes his first start since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion, where he spent time on loan across Europe.
- Thiaré Threat: Jamal Thiaré leads Atlanta in shots on target per match (1.1). His finishing could be key against Nashville’s compact defense.
- Playmaker Potential: Saba Lobjanidze, on the bench, has created 11 big chances this season — most on the team. Expect him as an impact sub.
- Youth in Goal: Jayden Hibbert earns his first back-to-back MLS starts, boasting one clean sheet and just one goal allowed in two matches.
- Head-to-Head: Atlanta United and Nashville SC have already drawn once this year (1-1 on May 3). Atlanta has just one win in seven all-time MLS trips to Nashville.
- International Duty Ahead: Following this match, seven Nashville players and Atlanta’s Miguel Almirón (Paraguay) and Ronald Hernández (Venezuela) will join their national teams for the September FIFA window — with potential 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification implications.
Key Battle: Gregersen & Mihaj vs. Sam Surridge
Atlanta’s backline will have their hands full with Sam Surridge, Nashville’s in-form striker who leads MLS with 20 goals this season. Center backs Stian Gregersen and Enea Mihaj will need to stay organized and physical to keep Surridge off the scoresheet.
What This Means for the 5-Stripes
Tonight’s match is more than just another road trip — it’s a chance for Atlanta to build momentum before the September international break. The introduction of Steven Alzate signals a tactical tweak, aiming for more stability in midfield. If the defense can hold firm against Surridge, and Thiaré takes his chances, the 5-Stripes could finally secure a rare victory in Nashville.
What do you think of Ronny Deila’s lineup changes? Can Alzate make an immediate impact in midfield? Share your predictions in the comments or join the conversation on ASN’s Facebook page and Twitter using #ATLUTD.
