Columbus Crew SC v Atlanta United | Preview

Preview

Atlanta United take on the Columbus Crew SC for the first time this season when they visit MAPFRE Stadium. Atlanta enters the match sitting on top of the standings with 30 points while Columbus is in third with 27 points. The Crew enter the match with the best form in the MLS with a nine match unbeaten streak, as well as the stingiest defense allowing a league-best 14 goals this season.

Columbus is coming off a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, June 9 at MAPFRE Stadium. Atlanta also play on Saturday, June 9 at Yankee Stadium where also gained a point from a 1-1 draw with NYCFC.

Broadcast Details
TV: FOX Sports South
English Radio: 92-9 The Game (local), Sirius XM FC (national)
Spanish Radio: La Mejor 1600 AM

Pre-match coverage:
6:30 p.m.: AT&T Countdown to Kickoff (FB Live/Periscope)
7:00 p.m.: The Pre-Game show (92-9 The Game)

Atlanta United

Squad Details

The big question is the status of star Miguel Almirón. We left the match on Saturday in New York after a cynical hard tackle from the NYCFC defense. The playmaker has been training with the club this week but manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino said the decision would be made on gameday.

Miguel Almirón trains with Atlanta United. (photo : Atlanta United)

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: Chris McCann, Jeff Larentowicz, Miguel Almirón
• International duty: None
• Injury Report:
  • Out:
    • Greg Garza (torn labrum right shoulder)
    • Chris McCann (hamstring)
  • Questionable:
    • Hector Villalba (right knee injury)
    • Miguel Almirón (shoulder injury)

Projected Starting XI
(3-5-2)

• GK: Brad Guzan
• Defenders (3): Michael Parkhurst, Leandro González Pírez, Franco Escobar
• Midfielders (5): Mikey Ambrose, Jeff Larentowicz, Darlington Nagbe, Ezequiel Barco, Julian Gressel
• Forwards (2): Romario Williams, Josef Martinez

Columbus Crew SC

Squad Details

The big story this season is the play of Gyasi Zardes. The striker has ten goals and is in second place in the Golden Boot standings. He has been making most of his shots from inside the box, where he 20 shots taken. This means that he has been able to benefit from the creative play created by Federico Higuain, Pedro Santos and Mike Grella.

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: Milton Valenzuela
• International duty: None
• Injury Report:
  • Out:
    • Yangel Herrera (ankle)
    • Cedric Hountondji (hamstring)
  • Questionable:

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

• GK: Zack Steffen
• Defenders (4): Harrison Afful, Josh Williams, Lalas Abubakar, Milton Valenzuela
• Defensive Midfielders (2): Wil Trapp, Artur
• Attacking Midfielders (3): Cristian Martinez, Federico Higuain, Pedro Santos
• Forwards (1): Gyasi Zardes

Recent Meetings
Columbus Crew SC 0, Atlanta United 3 (July 1, 2017)
Atlanta United 3, Columbus Crew SC 1 (April 15, 2017)