Predicting Atlanta United’s starting lineup at New York City FC

After what was undoubtedly the worst performance in Atlanta United’s short history, they’ll look to get back to their winning ways as they travel to the blue side of New York City on Sunday. Will there be any changes from last week’s lineup?

Unfortunately, I was only one prediction away from choosing the correct starting XI last Sunday, as Julian Gressel started ahead of Jeff Larentowicz who was out with a concussion suffered against Real Salt Lake. Still, that gave me some confidence. Here is the definite, surefire lineup for May 7th.*

*I’m probably wrong.**

**If anyone’s keeping count, only two of my eight predictions have been correct. Let’s try and steer the ship this week.

Formation: 4-3-3.

Goalkeeper: Alec Kann. He shouldn’t really be blamed for any of the goals conceded last match. It was atrocious defending and getting caught too far up the pitch that left Atlanta vulnerable on the counter.

Left Back: Greg Garza.

Center Back #1: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. Careless giveaways and poor positioning doomed Pirez against D.C. He’ll need to shake a bad performance off soon. David Villa awaits.

Center Back #2: Michael Parkhurst. In one of my prediction posts earlier in the season, I said that Bobby Dodd Stadium would go nuts if Parkhurst ever scored. Last week wasn’t what I had in mind.

Right Back: Tyrone Mears. Yeah.

Center Midfielder #1: Jeff Larentowicz. As mentioned before, Larentowicz was out with a concussion last match. Perhaps it’s risky to expect him to start considering the timetable for a concussion can range drastically, but I’m an optimist. Of course, Larentowicz should take all the time he needs.

Center Midfielder #2: Carlos Carmona. Read MLS rave about his play.

Attacking Midfielder: Julian Gressel. With the suspension of Yamil Asad, Atlanta United’s attack will look a little different this time around. Gressel needs to take advantage of this opportunity and return to the form he started the season in.

Left Winger: Miguel Almiron. The G.O.A.T. will do his best to fill in for Asad on the left.

Right Winger: Tito Villalba.

Striker: Kenwyne Jones. Fitness seemed to be an issue for Jones against D.C. United. After a terrific first twenty minutes to start the match, the Trinidadian struggled to make an impact as the match went on. Granted, the humidity may have had an impact on everyone. Still, it was likely harder for Jones considering the lack of playing time he’s had over the past year.

On another note, Atlanta United’s favorite Venezuelan will soon rise again.

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

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