Predicting Atlanta United’s starting lineup at Minnesota United

After their first bye week of the season, Atlanta United will look to pick up where they left off and earn their third consecutive win of the 2018 season as they take on Minnesota United in what is expected to be frigid conditions.

Franco Escobar is still out with a concussion. Who replaces him? Will Miguel Almiron and Darlington Nagbe start only four days removed from international play? Let’s do our best to answer those questions. Here is the definite, surefire lineup for March 31.*

*I’m probably wrong.

Formation: 3-5-2. If it ain’t broke...

Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan.

Center Back #1: Chris McCann. Let’s just say he spent a lot of time with the first team during this week’s trainings. I’m intrigued to see how he and Greg Garza play on the left together.

Center Back #2: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. He’s funny.

Right Back: Michael Parkhurst.

Left Wingback: Greg Garza. Oh my gosh how have I not complained about this already? How did it take me this long? Alright, so my predicted lineup against Vancouver would’ve been absolutely perfect had it not been for McCann starting instead of Garza at the LWB position. Martino’s reasoning for the switch? McCann is taller. Please sympathize with me. I broke down crying when I found out...OK that’s a lie but i was sad.

Right Wingback: Julian Gressel. He has been astounding at the position. Gresselmania is runnin’ wild.

Central Midfielder #1: Jeff Larentowicz.

Central Midfielder #2: Darlington Nagbe. Let’s see if his good performance for the USMNT a few days ago translates to his club in the same week.

Attacking Midfielder: Miguel Almiron. It wasn’t as good of an international appearance for him, but he was still one of the better Paraguayans. At least he’ll actually have some competent teammates on Saturday.

Striker #1: Josef Martinez. He just needs one more hat trick to tie the MLS record. Does he get it versus Minnesota? Probably. I mean, who’s betting against him?

Striker #2: Tito Villalba.

To recap, here’s the projected lineup against Minnesota United.

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