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After a match that would've been better spent watching paint dry(or grass grow if you're more of an outdoors person), Atlanta United will look to take advantage of their match in hand over NYCFC by defeating fellow expansion side Minnesota United. The Five Stripes can move to 2nd in the Eastern Conference with a superior goal difference. Brad Guzan and Josef Martinez will both be with their respective national teams and Greg Garza is unlikely to play considering his early exit against New England, so what will this lineup look like? Here is the definite, surefire lineup for October 3rd.*
*I'm probably wrong.
Formation: 4-3-3.
Goalkeeper: Kyle Reynish. As mentioned, Guzan is out. We haven't seen Alec Kann since he came off with an injury on September 17th while playing for the Charleston Battery. He certainly shouldn't be expected fit, so Reynish seems to be the only viable option unless Tata Martino shocks the world with an Alex Tambakis start.
Reynish started one match this season in between Kann's initial injury and the end of Guzan's stint at Middlesbrough. Atlanta defeated the San Jose Earthquakes 4-2.
Left Back: Chris McCann. Greg Garza will likely rest until the end of the international break. Martino won't risk him for a midweek match when Atlanta has bigger fish to fry down the road.
Center Back #1: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. He will have to be even better this match without Guzan behind him.
Center Back #2: Michael Parkhurst.
Right Back: Anton Walkes.
Central Midfielder #1: Carlos Carmona.
Central Midfielder #2: Jeff Larentowicz.
Attacking Midfielder: Julian Gressel.
Left WInger: Yamil Asad. He received a well deserved rest last match. He'll be eager to return to action.
Right Winger: Jacob Peterson. It would've easily been Brandon Vazquez if it wasn't for his injury. Regardless, Peterson has proven throughout the season that he's capable of contributing to the attack off the bench. Let's see how the grizzled MLS veteran does on a starter basis.
Striker: Tito Villalba. Martino has preferred Villalba up top in Martinez's absence throughout the campaign minus a couple times where Kenwyne Jones was called upon instead. Villalba is the most direct replacement for Martinez that Atlanta has when it comes to playing style and he's shown time and time again he can be a viable option as a False 9.
To recap, here's the projected lineup versus Minnesota United.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.