The highly anticipated rivalry match between Orlando City SC and Atlanta United is set to ignite, but both teams face significant lineup challenges due to injuries and suspensions. This article breaks down the predicted starting XIs and bench strength for both sides, analyzing the impact of key absences and returns. **Orlando City's Lineup and Strategy:** Orlando City welcomes back Eduard Atuesta to the midfield after a spell on the sidelines. He'll partner with Kyle Smith, pushing Martín Ojeda to the bench. Duncan McGuire starts upfront, leading the line, while Luis Muriel takes on a more creative number 10 role. Rodrigo Schlegel's return from suspension solidifies the center-back pairing. The bench boasts the return of several academy players, Gustavo Caraballo and Colin Guske, along with injured players Ramiro Enrique and Nico Rodriguez, signaling a deeper squad depth. **Confirmed Orlando City Starting XI:** Pedro Gallese; Alex Freeman, Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson (c), David Brekalo; Marco Pašalić, Kyle Smith, Eduard Atuesta, Iván Angulo; Luis Muriel, Duncan McGuire. **Orlando City Substitutes:** Javier Otero, Gustavo Caraballo, Ramiro Enrique, Colin Guske, Shak Mohammed, Martín Ojeda, Nico Rodriguez, Dagur Dan Thórhallsson, Thomas Williams. **Atlanta United's Injury Crisis:** Atlanta United faces a more challenging situation heading into the match. Their availability report reveals a significant injury and suspension list, impacting several key positions. Stian Gregersen and Derrick Williams, both first-choice centre-backs, are sidelined with quad and hamstring injuries, respectively. Midfielder Tristan Muyumba is ruled out with an adductor injury. Adding to their woes, Emmanuel Latte Lath is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. The absence of these key players will force Atlanta United to shuffle their lineup and potentially rely on less experienced players. **Predicted Atlanta United Starting XI (subject to change):** [This section would need to be updated with the actual starting lineup closer to game time based on news and further team announcements]. However, considering the injuries, we can anticipate a starting XI that will need to be more defensively-minded, potentially playing a deeper midfield to compensate for the absence of Muyumba and Gregersen's defensive strength in the center-back partnership. **Atlanta United's Availability Report:** Stian Gregersen (Quadriceps - Out), Emmanuel Latte Lath (Suspension - Out), Tristan Muyumba (Adductor - Out), Derrick Williams (Hamstring - Out). **Tactical Implications and Predictions:** The differing lineup situations present contrasting tactical challenges and opportunities. Orlando City's return of key players suggests a more attacking approach, while Atlanta United's injuries may necessitate a more cautious and defensive strategy. The game's outcome will likely depend on Orlando City's ability to exploit Atlanta's defensive vulnerabilities and Atlanta's ability to manage the midfield battle with their depleted numbers. The rivalry adds another layer of intrigue, promising a fiercely contested match regardless of the lineups. This match will be a crucial test for both teams. Orlando City's return to form, and Atlanta United's ability to adapt under pressure, will define the outcome of this key matchup. Stay tuned for further updates as kickoff approaches!