UPDATE: Baggio Husidic replaces Jonathan dos Santos in the starting lineup
Starting XI
David Bingham; Rolf Feltscher, Daniel Steres, Jorgen Skjelvik, Ashley Cole ©; Romain Alessandrini, Perry Kitchen, Jonathan dos Santos (Baggio Husidic), Sebastian Lletget; Ola Kamara, Zlatan Ibrahimović.
Substitutions
Justin Vom Steeg, Dave Romney, Servando Carrasco, Michael Ciani, Giovani dos Santos, Baggio Husidic, Chris Pontius.
Lineup Notes
- Another Saturday, another LA Galaxy soccer game, this time at StubHub Center as LA return home for their fourth home game this season.
- LA Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid will start the same XI players in consecutive matches for the first time this year. It is the second-straight match the team will play in a 4-4-2 formation.
- Coming off his second shutout of the season, David Bingham will continue in net for the Galaxy after starting in each of their previous six games.
- Continuing out wide right in defense is Rolf Feltscher, the Venezuelan national team player who has been solid in recent weeks for the Galaxy. Born in Switzerland, Feltscher arrived to the Galaxy this offseason after playing in Spain, Italy and England.
- In center defense, Daniel Steres continues in the starting XI with what will mark his 55th MLS start for the LA Galaxy. He has been one of the Galaxy’s most consistent players in the previous few years.
- Alongside Steres is Jorgen Skjelvik, who, in addition to playing good soccer since arriving this offseason, continues to feature a lot of consonants and very few vowels in his last name. He has started in each match this year.
- Out wide on the left is the ageless Ashley Cole, who has recorded two assists in his last three games, matching the total in his previous 57 games.
- Out wide on the right side of the midfield is Romain Alessandrini, the Frenchman who has logged 14 goals and 12 assists since the start of last season. He will make his third-straight start after missing time due to a hamstring injury suffered in the opening game.
- In the center of the midfield is Perry Kitchen, who has been one of the Galaxy’s most important players this year with his work in the middle of the field. Kitchen has started all six of the Galaxy’s games this year.
- Rounding out the central midfield pairing is Jonathan dos Santos, who forms one of the stronger midfield duos in Major League Soccer alongside Kitchen.
- On the left side of the midfield is Sebastian Lletget, who makes his fifth start of the season after missing a year of action due to a foot injury suffered early last season.
- Up top is Ola Kamara, who will look to find the back of the net after last scoring in the Galaxy’s opening match. Despite not finding the score sheet, Kamara has been solid in the build up play this year.
- Alongside Kamara is Zlatan Ibrahimović, who plays soccer relatively well. In 127 minutes this year, he has three goals, including two game winners.
Game Notes
- The LA Galaxy are 0-1-0 all-time against Atlanta United FC, losing 4-0 in their 2017 visit to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
- Saturday’s fixture will mark Atlanta’s first trip to StubHub Center.
- This year at home, the Galaxy are 2-1-0, scoring six goals and allowing six during the three games played.
- The Galaxy hold an all-time record of 318-236-148, with 1,114 goals scored and 1,117 assists recorded.
- LA Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid has gone 233-174-118 during his 19-year coaching career in Major League Soccer.
Storylines
- Can the Galaxy earn the win at home after a loss to SKC two weeks ago?
- Will the Galaxy build off their second-straight match with the same lineup/formation?
- How will the Galaxy’s backline fare against a high-powered Atlanta United attack?
- Will Ola Kamara get back on the scoresheet?
- Can Romain Alessandrini find his pre-injury form?
- Per usual:
- How long will Zlatan play?
- Will Zlatan score a goal?
- Will another Zlatan goal go viral?
Quick Hits
- Match Preview pres. by Welch's
- LA Galaxy to wear Parley jerseys Saturday, made of 100% recyclable materials
- LA Galaxy made a mural at Leapwood Elementary School in Carson
- Zlatan on his acclimation to MLS
Song Lyrics: Peace Train — Cat Stevens
Now I've been happy lately
Thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be
Something good has begun
Oh, I've been smiling lately
Dreaming about the world as one
And I believe it could be
Someday it's going to come
'Cause I'm on the edge of darkness
There ride the Peace Train
Oh, Peace Train take this country
Come take me home again
Now I've been smiling lately,
Thinkin' about the good things to come
And I believe it could be,
Something good has begun
Oh Peace Train sounding louder
Glide on the Peace Train
Come on now Peace Train
Yes, Peace Train holy roller
Cat Stevens (1971)
