The starting lineups for the 2018 MLS Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium feature few surprises, as both teams were healthy in the buildup to the contest.
Larrys Mabiala returns to the Portland Timbers lineup after missing out on the Western Conference final with an ankle injury.
Atlanta starts an XI we’ve come used to seeing throughout the postseason, with Josef Martinez and Miguel Almiron headlining the attack.
Below is a look at how both teams will line up.
Atlanta United
Our Starting XI vs @TimbersFC#UniteAndConquer | #MLSCup pic.twitter.com/9DtlyeOxBU
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) December 9, 2018
Tata Martino opts for a traditional four-man back line to start with Greg Garza and Franco Escobar manning the flanks, but it will morph into a 3-5-2 or 5-3-2 throughout the contest.
The Five Stripes have a three-man central midfield, with Darlington Nagbe acting as the fulcrum of the formation.
Up top, Miguel Almiron and Josef Martinez will look to wreak havoc on the Portland defense, while Julian Gressel is going to be a key weapon on the flank with his crossing ability.
Michael Parkhurst and Larentowicz are playing in their fifth MLS Cups, while Nagbe won the title with the Timbers back in 2015.
Portland Timbers
Our final Starting XI of 2018. #MLSCup #OnwardRoseCity #RCTID pic.twitter.com/eIR4Ho3HId
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) December 9, 2018
The Timbers hinted at bringing back Mabiala back into the fold, as he told reporters on Friday his ankle was feeling fine.
Zarek Valentin keeps his place at right back ahead of Alvas Powell, who won the 2015 MLS Cup with the Timbers in Columbus.
Four of the players in Giovanni Savarese’s starting XI started for the Timbers at Mapfre Stadium three years ago. Liam Ridgewell, Diego Chara, Diego Valeri and Jorge Villafana are the four.