The energy at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was unmistakable from the opening whistle—Saba Time had arrived.For the first time since May 3, Saba Lobjanidze was back in the starting XI, and Atlanta United’s dynamic No. 9 wasted no time making his presence felt. After weeks of coming off the bench and making instant impacts—including a game-changing assist in Austin—head coach Ronny Deila gave him the nod from the jump in a pivotal Sunday Night Soccer showdown with FC Cincinnati.
A familiar five-at-the-back formation returned as Atlanta seeks stability and momentum. The system has helped the 5-Stripes play their most confident football since the winless streak began, and against a top-of-the-table Cincinnati side, Deila is sticking with the plan.
Lobjanidze and Pedro Amador lined up as wing backs, pivotal roles that balance defensive grit with attacking flair. Behind them, Matt Edwards again stepped into an unfamiliar right center back role, flanked by Derrick Williams and Luis Abram—the trio starting together for a second straight match.
In midfield, Jay Fortune, Bartosz Slisz, and Alexey Miranchuk form a technically gifted and positionally flexible trio. For Miranchuk, it’s a milestone match—his 400th career professional club appearance, entering with 69 goals and 75 assists to his name.
Up top, Miguel Almirón and Emmanuel Latte Lath lead the line. The partnership continues to blossom, and Latte Lath—returning to the XI—will be eager to find the net for the first time since March 29. He leads the team with five goals this season.
Atlanta United Starting XI vs FC Cincinnati
Brad Guzan (C), Saba Lobjanidze, Matt Edwards, Derrick Williams, Luis Abram, Pedro Amador, Jay Fortune, Alexey Miranchuk, Bartosz Slisz, Miguel Almirón, Emmanuel Latte Lath
Reserves: Josh Cohen, Noah Cobb, Efraín Morales, Ronald Hernández, Mateusz Klich, Will Reilly, Edwin Mosquera, Luke Brennan, Jamal Thiaré
Match Notes & Milestones:
• Miranchuk hits 400 career club matches, bringing veteran experience to a youthful midfield.
• Guzan, the ever-reliable captain, enters the match third in MLS in saves with 51 and continues to lead the 5-Stripes from the back.
• Latte Lath makes his 13th start of the season, returning to the XI after a substitute appearance vs. Philly.
• Derrick Williams has been a wall at the back, with 26 clearances over the past three matches, including a season-high 14 vs. Chicago.
• Atlanta United holds a 3-2-2 all-time record vs. FC Cincinnati at home—but hasn’t defeated them at Mercedes-Benz Stadium since 2021’s 4-0 romp.
• It’s only the second time in club history Atlanta United plays on World Football Day (May 25). Last year, they fell 1-0 to LAFC.
• Unavailable for selection: Stian Gregersen, Tristan Muyumba, and Brooks Lennon.
It’s a night of opportunity, challenge, and global celebration for the 5-Stripes. As soccer lovers worldwide honor the sport, Atlanta United looks to mark the occasion with a statement win and reignite its playoff chase.
Let’s make it count on World Football Day.Vamos United.
