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Atlanta United Vs Chicago Fire: 5 key players to watch – Supporters’ Shield is on

By Josh Bouland

HARRISON, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almiron (10) during the first half of the Major League Soccer game between the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United on September 30, 2018 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HARRISON, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almiron (10) during the first half of the Major League Soccer game between the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United on September 30, 2018 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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HARRISON, NJ – SEPTEMBER 30: Atlanta United midfielder Chris McCann (16) during the first half of the Major League Soccer game between the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United on September 30, 2018 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)HARRISON, NJ – SEPTEMBER 30: Atlanta United midfielder Chris McCann (16) during the second half of the Major League Soccer game between the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United on September 30, 2018 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HARRISON, NJ – SEPTEMBER 30: Atlanta United midfielder Chris McCann (16) during the first half of the Major League Soccer game between the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United on September 30, 2018 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)HARRISON, NJ – SEPTEMBER 30: Atlanta United midfielder Chris McCann (16) during the second half of the Major League Soccer game between the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United on September 30, 2018 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Chris McCann

As well as George Bello has played recently at left back, I think Chris McCann is going to get the start. McCann missed Atlanta’s last match due to yellow card accumulation, meaning he has not played since September 30. With Bello traveling to Europe this week for international duty and McCann getting extra rest, McCann should be fresh and ready to go.

The fitness of Atlanta’s left backs is creating an interesting situation. Bello has been playing very well but is young and returning from international duty. McCann is fresh and fit but has not been playing well as of late. Then there is Greg Garza, who is Tata Martino’s first choice at left back. Garza has not played since May 20 but returned to training this week.

My guess is Bello gets the week off, McCann gets the start, and Garza gets a cameo appearance late in the match assuming the team is playing well by that point.

With McCann most likely starting, he will be a player to keep an eye on. As I said earlier, he has not performed well lately. Add in the fact that Bello has been shining and exceeding everyone’s expectations and you can see why people are starting to forget about McCann. If McCann can put in a strong performance this weekend, that will go a long way in helping Atlanta win their final two matches.

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