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Finally, it’s game day for Atlanta United.
We have talked about what to expect and how Atlanta will likely approach this game for weeks now. Other than Miguel Almirón’s minor injury and Zach Loyd being out, the team should be close to full strength. Everyone who has been in camp should get some playing time today, and the game will likely be used as an opportunity to see how some of the players on the fringes of the roster fare in a match.
On the Chattanooga side, they will be coming into this without the benefit of a training camp. They are expected to have a core of their NPSL squad available today so they will have some built-in chemistry and an idea of how they want to play. CFC typically plays a direct style and expects their center forward to be heavily involved knocking the ball down to midfielders running on and holding the ball up himself. They have always been tight in the back and prefer safety there first rather than trying to build up attacks.
It will be a good experience for Atlanta to play against a team that will play defensively against them. It will help United sharpen their movement in the final third to unlock a stout defense. With Almirón possibly out, it will be an opportunity for others to perform as a playmaker.
Make sure you’re listening to the Mouths of the South either on your way to Chattanooga or at your tailgate. The pregame show starts at 12:00 noon, I’ll be joining the crew to get you ready for Atlanta United’s first match.
Domestic
DC United looking to add a Canadian national team player (Washington Post)
Minnesota United expected to add American winger Josh Gatt (Star Tribune)
La MLS le ofrecería a Javier Hernandez $15 millones por año para que juegue en el LAFC pic.twitter.com/0YdZDSmsxR
— Jorge Ramos & Banda (@ESPN_JorgeRamos) February 10, 2017
MLS 3.0 could mean some clubs move locations (Star Tribune)
Sporting Kansas City president would welcome MLS expansion to St. Louis (Kansas City Star)
County commissioner says FC Cincinnati does not need a new stadium for MLS (WCPO)
USWNT’s Ali Krieger ready for a fresh start with the Orlando Pride (Orlando Sentinel)
Carli Lloyd could be headed to Manchester City (SoccerWire)
International
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City career will be defined by his decision to drop Sergio Aguero (Daily Mail)
Can Jurgen Klopp get Liverpool back on track? (SB Nation)
Local
Preview of today’s game in Chattanooga (Chattanooga Times Free Press)