The Crew are back in action after a long and much-needed international break. The Black & Gold head south to Atlanta looking for their first win under Henrik Rydström. The good news for Rydström and company is that the Crew have been much better on the road than at home this season, and Atlanta has had its own struggles thus far in 2026. On top of that, the Crew have a pretty good recent record in Atlanta. However, the Crew will still need to show big improvements in order to gain their first win of 2026 on Saturday. Here’s what you need to get you ready for the Adam Jahn Memorial Trip to Atlanta (If You Know, You Know).

Atlanta United at a Glance:

• Record: 1-1-3, 4 points
• Leading Scorer: Aleksey Miranchuk (3)
• Assist Leader: Miguel Almirón (3)
• Player to Watch: Miguel Almirón

Much of the creative burden in Atlanta’s attack will continue to run through Miguel Almirón. Back in Atlanta and now one of the focal points under Tata Martino, Almirón remains an experienced MLS attacker whose game is built on relentless movement, vertical running, and final-third invention. While he may no longer possess the same explosive top gear from his first spell in MLS, he is still exceptionally dangerous when he finds space between the lines and turns to face the goal. His ability to carry the ball at pace, slip runners in behind with disguised through balls, and combine quickly in tight spaces makes him the player most capable of unlocking defenses. Almirón’s left foot and vision allow him to create high-value chances both in transition and against set defensive blocks, and he has already shown strong playmaking numbers early in the 2026 campaign.

How Atlanta United Play:

After a disappointing 2025 campaign, Atlanta has turned back to the coach who originally established the club’s style: Tata Martino. Early in the season, there have already been clear signs of that influence. Martino has stepped back into a side built around high-end attacking talent, with Miguel Almirón once again at the center of the project alongside Emmanuel Latte Lath and Aleksey Miranchuk.

So far in 2026, Atlanta has looked like a team that wants to control matches through possession, positional rotations, and quick attacking combinations in central areas. Under Tata, the emphasis has been on creating overloads between the lines and allowing players like Almirón and Miranchuk the freedom to drift inside and combine, while the fullbacks or wide players provide width and depth. There is also a clear desire to attack quickly once the first line is broken, with Atlanta looking to progress the ball vertically and put their front line in space facing the goal. This has been especially evident in transition moments, where Almirón’s ball-carrying and Latte Lath’s ability to stretch the back line have been key features of their early attacking play.

Formation-wise, Martino has shown flexibility early in the season, but the principles remain consistent regardless of shape. Whether Atlanta lines up in a back four or shifts into a three-center-back look, the key ideas are fluidity in possession, numerical superiority in midfield, and aggressive forward movement once the ball enters the attacking half. The front line is encouraged to interchange positions, which can make defensive assignments difficult, particularly when Almirón drifts into pockets underneath the striker.

Defensively, Atlanta has generally operated in a compact mid-block with moments of higher pressure depending on the opponent and game state. The team looks to funnel possession into wide areas before stepping aggressively to the ball, often trying to trap play near the touchline. Under Tata, there is a greater emphasis on coordinated pressure from the front and quick counter-pressing immediately after turnovers, which fits the profile of their more athletic attacking players. While still a work in progress, the structure so far suggests Atlanta wants to be proactive without becoming overly exposed in transition.

How the Crew Can Win:

The Crew are looking to finally get their first win of 2026. After a long international break, they should have had plenty of time to prepare tactically for this match. Here are the three things to look for in order to see a Crew victory on Saturday:

1. Play through Atlanta’s first line and attack the half-spaces: Atlanta under Tata wants to press early and then compact the middle of the field. Columbus must be clean in the first phase and break that first line with passes into the midfield pockets. Once through, there should be space in the half-spaces—particularly between Atlanta’s outside backs and center backs—where the Crew can create overloads and attack facing goal.
2. Limit Almirón in transition: This is the biggest key. Atlanta is most dangerous when Almirón can receive on the turn and drive into space. Columbus needs strong rest defense and immediate pressure after turnovers to prevent central transition opportunities. Forcing him into wider areas and away from direct runs at the back line will be critical.
3. Be clinical in the final third: The Crew should find opportunities in this match, but the final action must be sharper. This is a game where the first goal could be decisive, so Columbus needs to capitalize on the chances they create and not allow Atlanta to stay in a rhythm.