Predicting Atlanta United’s starting lineup at D.C. United

After Atlanta United’s third home win in a row came against a solid Columbus Crew team, they now travel to the nation’s capital to take on D.C. United in their first midweek match of the MLS season. Carlos Carmona is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Who will replace him in the lineup, and will we see Josef Martinez return to the XI?

Sadly, my streak of four correct predictions has come to an end. I guess that just means it’s time for a new streak to begin. Here is the definite, surefire lineup for June 21st.*

*I’m probably wrong.

Formation: 4-3-3.

Goalkeeper: Alec Kann.

Left Back: Greg Garza. Little baby Garza came into the world earlier than I thought he might last week. Congratulations to Greg, his wife, and the world’s next great left back.

Center Back #1: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.

Center Back #2: Michael Parkhurst.

Right Back: Tyrone Mears.

Center Midfielder #1: Chris McCann. With Carmona’s suspension, we need a replacement. McCann’s come on frequently as reassurance when Atlanta has looked to maintain leads.

Julian Gressel could be in this spot if Tata Martino doesn’t want to leave him out of the lineup because of his great form as of late. Personally, I think Martino is going to stick with keeping Gressel as a true winger that comes off the bench.

You could potentially see Kevin Kratz here just because of how impressive he’s been when called upon, but McCann has seen more time as a defensive mid. These options obviously aren’t a bad problem to have.

Center Midfielder #2: Jeff Larentowicz.

Attacking Midfielder: Miguel Almiron. Tu es amazing.

Left Winger: Yamil Asad. Our assist king, tied for the MLS lead with eight.

Right Winger: Hector Villalba. Does Martino choose Villalba or Gressel on the right wing? That’ll be the most interesting revelation, if he does choose between one or the other in the lineup.

Striker: Josef Martinez. The king is back.

To recap, here’s my projected XI against D.C. United.

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