Yes, we’re in the middle of an international break. Yes, Atlanta United (and the rest of the league) are still playing through it. It is what it is.
Still, Atlanta will be without a few key pieces that have been vital to the early run of form that has the Five Stripes atop the Eastern Conference, including Thiago Almada (who is STILL scoring goals), Miles Robinson, and Giorgos Giakoumakis from among the regular starting lineup, along with even more from the bench.
Columbus will be down some starters as well, which should make for an interesting test of depth between the two squads.