Photo Credit: Jennifer Jordan-Harrell

Preview

Atlanta United open their second season on the road in one the most difficult road venues. The Houston Dynamo, who were one step away from the MLS Cup, took 40 of the possible 51 points in BBVA Comapss Stadium last season.

The expectations are high for Atlanta this season after they added Darlington Nagbe and Argentinian phenom Ezequiel Barco. Unfortunately for the vistors, Barco is out 4-6 weeks with a quad strain, his MLS debut will have to wait.

The early visit to Houston allows Atlanta to miss the typically oppressive conditions. South Texas typically features hot and humid conditions that can wither even the most fit players after 90 minutes. The weather looks to be mild with temperatures in the mid 60s for the 2:30 p.m. CST kick off on Saturday.

Broadcast Details
TV on Univision – 2:30 p.m.
Atlanta Radio on 610 AM/Radio.com app – 2:00 p.m.
Houston Radio on Univision Radio 1010 AM – 2:00 p.m.

Atlanta United

This starting line-up will look very similar to last years’ starting XI other than the departure of Carlos Carmona and Anton Walkes. Former Portland Timber Darlington Nagbe will fill in the mid-field spot held by Carmona. He is a very different mid than Carmona, more involved in the attack and less disruptive in defense. The addition of Argentinian Franco Escobar from Newell Old Boys will give another offensive minded defender to the Atlanta attack.

Gerardo “Tata” Martino will likely start with the familiar and successful formation of a 4-2-3-1 as he did much of last season. He has toyed with the idea of going with a three-man back line and even deployed a couple of times during the preseason. However, it is unlikely that he would start with any other formation. Martino stated this week after practice, that other than Barco, the entire roster is match fit and ready to play.

Squad Details

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: None
• Injury Report: OUT: Ezequiel Barco (strained right quad)

Projected Starting XI
(4-2-3-1)

• GK: Brad Guzan
• Defenders (4): Franco Escobar, Michael Parkhurst, Leandro Gonzalez-Pirez, Matt Garza
• Holding Midfielders (2): Jeff Larentowicz, Darlington Nagbe
• Attack Midfielders (3): Hector Villalba, Miguel Almiron, Julian Gressel
• Striker (1): Josef Martinez

Houston Dynamo

Second year head coach Wilmer Cabrera looks to build on the success at home last year and start the season off with a crucial 3 points. The big question heading into the opener is who Cabrera will start in the goal. Houston may also be impacted by the red card suspension for Tomas Martinez.

Squad Details

• Suspended: Tomas Martinez (Red Card last match)
• Suspended after next caution: None
• Injury Report: None

Projected Starting XI
(4-3-3)

• GK: Chris Seitz
• Defenders(4): George Malki, Adolfo Machado, Leonardo, DaMarcus Beasley
• Midfielders (3): Darwin Ceren, Juan David Cabezas, Arturo Alvarez
• Forwards (3): Alberth Elis, Mauro Manotas, Romell Quioto

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Recent Meetings
Saturday 20 May 2017
Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Atlanta 4-1 Houston