MLS All-Star head coach James O'Connor has revealed his starting lineup for the 2019 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target (8 pm ET | FS1, UniMás in US; TSN, TVAS in Canada) and L.A. rivals Carlos Vela and Zlatan Ibrahimovic will take the field together.
And not only will Zlatan and Vela be starting together, the two rivals are even sharing space in the locker room together:
O'Connor has set up his team vs. Atletico de Madrid in a 4-1-4-1 with Atlanta United's Brad Guzan in goal and Graham Zusi (SKC), Walker Zimmerman (LAFC), Matt Hedges (DAL) and Kemar Lawrence (RBNY) along the backline.
Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara gets the start in his first All-Star appearance, while Vela and Orlando City SC's Nani on the wings. D.C. United's Wayne Rooney and Toronto FC's Alejandro Pozuelo will play behind Ibrahimovic.
For Atletico, meanwhile, star striker Diego Costa starts on the bench in the game, with Vitolo pairing Angel Correa up top for Los Colchoneros. In midfield, Juan Manuel Sanabria, Marco Llorente, Mexican international Hector Herrera and Rodrigo Riquelme start. The defense will be helmed by Manuel Sanchez, Mario Hermoso, Felipe and Carlos Isaac, with experienced goalkeeper Antonio Adan in the back.
Alongside Costa, Atleti's reserves are chock full of star power, including midfield mainstay Koke, tricky winger Saul Ñiguez, starting goalkeeper Jan Oblak and new defender Kieran Trippier. Expect those players to step foot on the field at some point during the proceedings on the night.
