Predicting Atlanta United’s starting lineup at Columbus Crew

After their heartbreaking loss to Miami FC in the U.S. Open Cup, Atlanta United will look to regroup against the Columbus Crew. Most of the usual starters were given a small break, but will that improve Atlanta’s poor away form?

Here is the definite, surefire lineup for July 1st.*

*I’m probably wrong.

Formation: 4-3-3.

Goalkeeper: Alec Kann.

Left Back: Greg Garza. The USMNT’s loss is Atlanta United’s gain.

Center Back #1: Anton Walkes. Tata Martino might decide to give Pirez, more often of a starter than Walkes, a rest for the Tuesday night match against San Jose. Three matches in six days would be asking a lot from a player.

Center Back #2: Michael Parkhurst.

Right Back: Mark Bloom. He just fits Martino’s system better than Tyrone Mears does.

Center Midfielder #1: Kevin Kratz. Same thought process as Walkes over Pirez. Let Kratz play while usual starters need a rest and let’s see Carlos Carmona on Tuesday.

Center Midfielder #2: Jeff Larentowicz.

Attacking Midfielder: Miguel Almiron.

Left Winger: Yamil Asad.

Right Winger: Hector Villalba.

Striker: Josef Martinez. It’s nice to see these guys all get a small rest before we likely see them play two matches in four days.

To recap, here’s my projected starting XI against the Columbus Crew.

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