Predicted XI: Atlanta United

The MLS schedule makers definitely wanted to start the season with fireworks, first Lionel Messi and Inter Miami opened the season against Real Salt Lake. Now the reigning MLS Champions and the highest-scoring team of 2023 the Columbus Crew take on the second highest-scoring team in last season Atlanta United. The playoff series between Columbus and Atlanta saw 14 total goals across the three-match series. Both teams hope their midseason acquisitions begin to click more in the attack, while Atlanta has made a couple of changes in the back.

Buckle up folks this should be a fun one.

The Black & Gold finished last season with a fairly clean bill of health, only defender Will Sands was listed as injured going into the MLS Cup Final. Sands should be mostly recovered from his ACL injury suffered early in the 2023 season, but rushing him into the starting lineup is unlikely. Expect rotational minutes for the wingback as he works himself back into the fold of competitive games.

While there were offseason moves from the Black & Gold, the entire starting XI from the MLS Cup returns and likely features in Saturday’s contest.

Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte started his first MLS game during last season’s opener and takes the field this year as the preferred starter. The Crew backstop grew in his possession abilities and even recorded an assist last season and expectations are that he continues to take steps forward. 

Defenders Malte Amundsen, Rudy Camacho, and Steven Moreira were the first-choice center-backs last season and will look to continue that run this season. Amundsen was acquired to play left wing-back in 2023 but has excelled at passing and creating dangerous attacks moving forward as a left center-back. With a full preseason under their belts, expect a better understanding of the system from the backline. This should allow the Crew to have a better year defensively. Last season Columbus was middle of the pack in goals allowed with 46 during the campaign.

The biggest question mark heading into this match is who will play the wing-back position. Mo Farsi experienced an up-and-down season last year but proved he was the man to be trusted come crunch time. His effort earned him a contract extension, which the Club announced earlier in the week.

Some anticipate new signing Marino Hinestroza to feature over Farsi, but head coach Wilfried Nancy has spoken more towards Hinestroza contributing along the attacking three-man line. As mentioned above, it could be too early to start Sands which would leave winger Yaw Yeboah to start as the left wing back. The Ghanaian has shown flashes and chemistry with Amundsen, scoring the game-winning goal in the MLS Cup. 

Can anyone name a better midfield duo in the MLS than midfielders Aidan Morris and captain Darlington Nagbe? Morris and Nagbe bring the perfect blend of experience, hunger, and ball-winning ability to the Crew engine room.

Forwards Cucho Hernandez and Diego Rossi are locked in as starters, but there will be many eyes on the third attacker. Midfielder Alex Matan featured in the starting line up most after Rossi joined the team, but forward Christian Ramirez scored two game-winning goals to send Columbus to the MLS Cup Final.

Does Nancy start Matan, Ramirez or could new signing Hinestroza make a surprise start? Does forward Jacen Russell-Rowe beat everyone out in preseason? Expect Matan to feature on Saturday for his ability to progress the ball forward and find the unlocking pass which was valued by Nancy in 2023. The Romanian international also has mentioned he wants to improve on his scoring for this season. Either way, the starting XI will spur on debate as Nancy has many players capable and able to crack the starting XI.