Predicting Atlanta United’s starting lineup vs. Houston Dynamo

After a very solid performance in Portland last week, Atlanta United will look to earn their first win in four matches as they take on the Houston Dynamo at home. Will there be any changes from last week’s starting XI?

Unfortunately, I didn’t get the lineup right last week. I personally excuse myself from picking Greg Garza over Mark Bloom. I mean, how could I have known that Garza was going to take a week off? However, Julian Gressel on the wing was something I did not expect, but boy did it pay off for Atlanta.

Let’s get this back on track. Here is the definite, surefire lineup for May 20th.*

*I’m probably wrong.**

**If anyone’s keeping count, three of my ten predictions have been correct.

Formation: 4-3-3.

Goalkeeper: Alec Kann.

Left Back: Greg Garza. Welcome back (hopefully).

Center Back #1: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. Notice that every time Pirez goes upfield(which is often), Jeff Larentowicz drops back into the center back position. I would say it’s gotten to the point where Tata Martino accepts the fact Pirez is going to get creative, but just wants a little assurance with Larentowicz.

Anyways, I don’t mind Pirez doing what he does. He’s pretty good at it.

Center Back #2: Michael Parkhurst.

Right Back: Tyrone Mears.

Center Midfielder #1: Carlos Carmona.

Center Midfielder #2: Jeff Larentowicz.

Attacking Midfielder: Miguel Almiron.

Left Winger: Yamil Asad.

Right Winger: Julian Gressel. Last match was the most active Gressel has been for weeks. It’ll be very interesting to see what his role going forward is once Josef Martinez returns.

Speaking of Martinez, could we possibly see him on the bench this Saturday? Also, maybe Andrew Carleton? Sure, why not.

Striker: Tito Villalba. He wasn’t nearly involved enough against Portland. Let’s change that.

To recap, here’s my projected starting XI against the Houston Dynamo.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments???.