Minnesota United FC v Atlanta United | Match Preview

Preview

Atlanta United face 2017 MLS expansion counterpart Minnesota United at TCF Bank Stadium, where they won their first match last year in grand fashion. With snow falling and the use of the orange glow ball Josef Martinez had his first hat trick in the MLS. The visitors blew out their expansion siblings in a 6-1 drubbing that let the league know that Atlanta United was here to score. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 8 p.m. EST and will be televised on FOX Sports South.

In their short history there has already been plenty of opportunity to generate some animosity between the two sides. This will lead to a highly competitive match. The stoppage-time goal by MNUFC’s Kevin Molino in Mercedes Benz Stadium last October to record the only regular season loss in their new home is on the minds of both sets of fans. The teams also met during the preseason in Charleston, where they concluded with 1-1 draw. There is no love lost between the two sides with lots of physical play which looks to be an exciting match.

Broadcast Details
TV on FOX Sports South | FOX Sports North Plus | MLS Live – 8:00 p.m.

Atlanta United

On Wednesday, Jeff Larentowicz spoke to reporters about the win, “It was huge. It showed to a new team that had never won before that they can win. Going on the road and winning, in those conditions, winning the way we did, against the other expansion team. There were a lot of things that played into that. It was important for the start of the year for us.”

Atlanta looks to be without newcomer Franco Escobar, who had to be taken from the field on a stretcher at the end of the last match. He had a violent collision with Atlanta Goalkeeper Brad Guzan in which he suffered a concussion and award with a visit to the hospital.

Squad Details

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: None
• Injury Report:
  • Out:
    • Ezequiel Barco (right quad strain)
    • Andrew Carleton (Upper respiratory infection)
    • Franco Escobar (head injury)
    • José Hernández (quad strain)
    • Mitch Hildebrandt (left knee sprain)
  • Questionable: none

Projected Starting XI
(3-5-2)

• GK: Brad Guzan
• Defenders (3): Chris McCann, Michael Parkhurst, Leandro Gonzales-Pirez
• Midfielders (5): Greg Garza, Jeff Larentowicz, Darlington Nagbe, Miguel Almirón, Julian Gressel
• Forwards (2): Josef Martinez, Hector Villalba

Minnesota United FC

Minnesota started the season off in good form with two wins before they fell to the New York Red Bulls last weekend. Goal keeper Matt Lampson figures to be a key player in this match-up. He currently leads MLS with 18 saves on the season, last weekend against New York Red Bulls, he tied his season high of six saves. Lampson is the only MNUFC player who has been on the pitch for every minute of the season.

Squad Details

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: None
• Injury Report:
  • • Out:
      • Same Cronin (Head)
      • Kevin Molino (L Knee)
    • Questionable:
      • Jerome Thiesson (Hip)

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

• GK: Matt Lampson
• Defenders (4): Carter Manley, Michael Boxall, Francisco Calvo, Marc Burch
• Holding Midfielders (2): Rasmus Schuller, Ibson
• Attack Midfielders (3): Ethan Finlay, Miguel Ibarra, Sam Nicholson
• Striker (1): Christian Ramirez

Recent Meetings
Tuesday 31 October 2017
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Atlanta 2-3 MIN

Saturday 12 March 2017
TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis.
MIN 1-6 Atlanta