Predicting Atlanta United’s starting lineup vs. Colorado Rapids

After a pretty awful performance against D.C. United, Atlanta United will look to rebound at home against the lowly Colorado Rapids. Carlos Carmona will more than likely be back in the lineup after serving his one-match suspension, but will we finally see Josef Martinez return to the starting XI?

Here is the definite, surefire lineup for June 24th.*

*I’m probably wrong.

Formation: 4-3-3.

Goalkeeper: Alec Kann. He had quite the gaffe on Wednesday. Let’s hope for better on Saturday.

Left Back: Greg Garza.

Center Back #1: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.

Center Back #2: Michael Parkhurst.

Right Back: Mark Bloom. Tyrone Mears hasn’t played well and is the oldest player in the club at 34. That combination of poor form and tired legs could(and should, frankly) open the door for the Marietta native Bloom.

Center Midfielder #1: Carlos Carmona. Welcome back.

Center Midfielder #2: Jeff Larentowicz. He’s played a LOT recently, so we could very well see Kevin Kratz here. However, Tata Martino did sub Larentowicz off early in the second half of the D.C. match. Perhaps one of the reasons is because he still wants to play him against the Rapids. Also, since the U.S. Open Cup match against Miami FC is next up after Saturday, it’s much more likely to see him rested then.

Attacking Midfielder: Miguel Almiron. Again, plenty of minutes played recently. However, Almiron is so crucial. He could also be rested for the USOC match that’s coming up, or at least come off the bench late in the match if needed.

Left Winger: Yamil Asad.

Right Winger: Hector Villalba. I love Julian Gressel, I swear I do.

Striker: Josef Martinez. Unleash him.

To recap, here’s my projected lineup against the Colorado Rapids.

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