1. Leandro Gonzalez Pirez
Atlanta’s best defender missed Saturday’s match against LA Galaxy because of yellow card accumulation but will be back on Tuesday night. Leandro Gonzalez Pirez last played with the team on July 26 against LAFC. He logged some minutes in Orlando last week during the All-Star game as well.
With Gonzalez Pirez getting a game off, he should be well-rested for Tuesday night’s crucial match. He will be an important player as his organization of the backline will be crucial in stemming a dangerous Orlando attack.
Gonzalez Pirez will also be instrumental in helping to shut down Orlando’s best player, Nani. Nani missed the May match in Atlanta because of a small injury. Atlanta won that contest 1-0 in a game where Orlando failed to put away their best chances. With Nani most likely playing on Tuesday, look for Orlando to be more clinical in the final third.
Gonzalez Pirez also has a little bit of personal success against Orlando. In his 86 appearances with Atlanta, he only has two goals. One of those goals came last August in the 2-1 win over Orlando, just days after the birth of his daughter. It was a special moment, and because of that fond memory, he will be sure to try and create another this Tuesday night.