Atlanta United returns from the MLS-mandated World Cup break with their first match since May, an encounter with Nashville SC in a renewal of their Southeastern Derby. It’s not the ideal opponent for a club looking to right-size a campaign that has looked similar to 2025, but the schedule’s the schedule.
Get ready for Atlanta United at Nashville SC
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Instant reaction to Atlanta United’s starting XI, plus a final outlook before kickoff.
The scoop on Nashville SC
10-1-3, 33 points, 1st in East
Last result: W 2-1 vs. New York City FC (May 23)
Long story short, this team’s good.
- They’re atop the Supporters’ Shield standings
- Their 11 goals allowed lead MLS
- Their 31 goals scored is fifth-highest in the league
- They have one of the league’s top scorers in Sam Surridge (nine goals) and a top playmaker in Hany Mukhtar (6g/3a)
I could go on, but you get the idea. They’ve also added winger Elias Saad on loan from Bundesliga side Augsburg and could be keen to make even more moves to further build on what’s been a tremendous season so far.
Atlanta and Nashville have met 15 previous times across all competitions, with Nashville leading the all-time series 6-4-5. Nashville won the last meeting 2-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on April 18.
Atlanta United vs. Nashville SC injuries
Not injury-related, but Júnior Alonso and Paulo Díaz won’t be available as they work to get their visas resolved. Since Alonso just came off playing in the U.S. with Paraguay in the World Cup, his process won’t take as long. Meanwhile, Stian Gregersen (quadriceps) is questionable while Sergio Santos (calf) is out.
Nashville has a host of players listed as questionable with lower-body injuries: Andy Nájar, Cristian Espinoza, Eddi Tagseth, Jeisson Palacios, Reed Baker-Whiting, and Warren Madrigal. Patrick Yazbek has also been reported to have a lower-body injury, but he is out. Chris Applewhite (international duty) is out as well.
Atlanta United’s projected lineup against Nashville SC (4-3-3)
GK: Lucas Hoyos
D: Elias Báez, Tomás Jacob, Enea Mihaj, Matt Edwards
M: Tristan Muyumba, Cooper Sanchez, Jay Fortune
F: Emmanuel Latte Lath, Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón
Score prediction: Nashville SC 1-1 Atlanta United
I actually do think a somewhat-inspired Atlanta United could nick a goal against Nashville. But it won’t be enough for a win as Nashville takes a little bit to find its legs before ultimately playing to a draw.
How in the world were visa issues not resolved well before this? Did they have to wait for window to officially open?
That is probably what happened. I don’t think you can start the visa process until the contract gets signed
Isn’t Cooper away from the team to play for US U20?