In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke with Rob Usry of Five Stripe Final to learn more about Atlanta United, New York City FC's road opponent on Saturday. Here is your NYCFC vs Atlanta United preview.
• League Form: D-L-D-L-W
• Record: 1W, 2D, 2L | 5 points, 12th place
• Scoring Leader: Emmanuel Latte Lath, 4 goals
• Assist Leader: Saba Lobzhanidze, 2 assists
1. Going through growing pains
Hudson River Blue: Atlanta United had an outstanding winter transfer window, hiring Ronny Deila — an NYCFC legend — and bringing in Miguel Almirón and Emmanuel Latte Lath. Pundits predicted Atlanta to be one of the best teams in MLS this season. That hasn’t really panned out just yet, with Atlanta looking flat in some games and currently sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference. Are people expecting too much of Atlanta? Or is the team just experiencing some growing pains?
Rob Usry: Are people expecting too much of Atlanta? That comes with the territory when you spend the money and have the resources that this club does. Supporters constantly have dreams of being the best team in the league and winning all of the trophies because that’s the bar they set for themselves back in 2018. This was a successful offseason, but I believe Garth Lagerwey’s project is going to take a little longer than most people are anticipating.
We’re definitely seeing some early growing pains, especially in the Chemistry department. I don’t think there’s any doubt that this team is talented enough to compete with the best teams, the question is, can the players learn the manager’s system and learn to play with each other?
2. Emmanuel Latte Lath: The real deal
HRB: Emmanuel Latte Lath has been great, that’s for sure. The striker, who signed for an MLS-record $22 million plus add-ons, has scored four of Atlanta’s six goals. However, Miguel Almirón and Saba Lobzhanidze have had a quiet start to the season. How could Ronny Deila get the two wingers in sync with Latte Lath?
RU: This is a big debate within our fan base right now. The answer may have revealed itself last weekend when Saba played on the right side, his more familiar position with Miggy away from the team. Saba had his best game of the season by far. I think many would love to see them swap sides or even move Almiron back to midfield and put Aleksei Miranchuk in a different spot, or even on the bench. This is the chemistry issue facing Ronny as he tries to put his stamp on this group going forward.
3. Excuses out the window
HRB: NYCFC and Atlanta have matched up evenly throughout the years. Do Atlanta fans see this as a crucial get-right game or another tough contest?
RU: With the horrible run of results to start the season and the end of the international break, all of the excuses will be out the window for this match. Fans will undoubtedly be expecting to see a full-strength team finally gel together and get a big win at home. I don’t think we take any team lightly these days with how bad the team has been the last 5-6 years, so we know the win won't come easy against a good NYCFC team.
4. The X-Factor: Atlanta's midfield
HRB: What's the X-factor that could decide this game?
RU: Aside from the attack finally figuring out how to play with each other, the X-Factor for Atlanta has to be their midfield. It’s been in constant flux due to injuries. Several new faces have gotten a chance and with players returning to the fold and established starters like Tristan Muyumba out injured, this could be an interesting spot for a new-look pairing to reveal itself.
5. Predicted score, Starting XI
HRB: Prediction time: Starting XI? Final score?
RU: With all due respect to NYCFC, it feels like Atlanta is due some luck and a win. 2-1 Atlanta.
