Predicting Atlanta United’s starting lineup vs. New York City FC

After an incredibly entertaining win against the Houston Dynamo, Atlanta United will look to maintain their winning ways against a formidable NYCFC side. Will there be any changes from last week’s starting XI?

I guessed the lineup correctly last week, giving me two wins in the last three matches and an overall record of four wins and seven losses. But hey, who’s counting? Me, I’m counting. I should probably set some sort of goal by the end of the season.

Anyhow, let’s keep the good times going. Here is the definite, surefire lineup for May 28th.*

*I’m probably wrong.

Formation: 4-3-3. Even though Tata Martino likely won’t be on the sideline due to his outburst that would’ve left Bobby Knight smiling, it doesn’t mean Atlanta’s tactics are going to change.

Goalkeeper: Alec Kann. Brad Guzan is in Atlanta, but don’t expect the now former English Premier League starter to suit up on Sunday, or any time soon for that matter until his international duties are complete for the summer. I’m sure United supporters aren’t heartbroken about this.

Left Back: Greg Garza. Seeing him go down on a match-to-match basis is worrisome, especially for a player coming off major hip surgery. Garza could have a very good career ahead of him, just as long as he stays healthy. Come September, expect Martino to rest Garza a little more often when the schedule is most hectic.

Center Back #1: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.

Center Back #2: Michael Parkhurst. El Capitan.

Right Back: Tyrone Mears. If I have to be picky about Mears’ performance against Houston, I would say that he needs to send crosses to the box a lot quicker from here on out, rather than take an extra touch or two that allows opposing backlines to either close in on him or follow attacking runs being made inside the box.

Still though, I think he’s been solid this season.

Center Midfielder #1: Carlos Carmona.

Center Midfielder #2: Jeff Larentowicz.

Attacking Midfielder: Miguel Almiron. He’s been so good this season I’ve had to start thinking about how big the transfer fee will be from the European club he inevitably goes to.

Left Winger: Yamil Asad. If Almiron hadn’t stolen the show last week, we would be talking about Asad’s performance being his best of the season as well. He was terrific.

Right Winger: Julian Gressel. Can the rookie be the first Atlanta United player to score in three consecutive matches?

Striker: Hector Villalba. No Josef Martinez quite yet, but perhaps an appearance on the bench is in the works.

To recap, here’s my projected starting XI against New York City FC.

Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.