Predicting Atlanta United’s starting lineup vs. Sporting Kansas City

After a solid win against the Chicago Fire, Atlanta United turns their attention to a midweek matchup against Sporting Kansas City. Franco Escobar and Chris McCann are both questionable to play according to Tata Martino, and the head coach also mentioned that he’s considering resting some usual starters. Therefore, altough I tell everyone that my lineup prediction is probably wrong before every single match, I want to make it perfectly clear that this prediction is absolutely going to be wrong. This is all a formality. In the wise words of Marshawn Lynch, “I’m here so I don’t get fined.”

Here’s the definite, surefire lineup for May 9.*

*I’m wrong.

Formation: 3-5-2. The only reason I’m going with this formation is because Martino seems to prefer it at the moment. No analysis here.

Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan. Fun Fact: I’ve never gotten this prediction wrong.

Center Back #1: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.

Center Back #2: Michael Parkhurst.

Center Back #3: Miles Robinson. This is me playing doctor, but Escobar’s chest injury sounds like it hurts and McCann has a tight hamstring, which could be similar to the Tito Villalba injury that kept him out for a couple matches. Also, maybe Martino doesn’t risk playing them four days before a big road match?

Left Wingback: Greg Garza. If I was more confident in McCann’s odds of playing, I would say that Garza doesn’t play this match just so his shoulder and subsequently the rest of his arm doesn’t fall off entirely. Alas, the shoulder must endure.

Right Wingback: Tito Villalba. Uhhhh he has to start again eventually, right? It would make a lot of sense if Julian Gressel was one of the players to get some reduced minutes this match just so there’s a logical excuse for Martino to get them both quality playing time during this hectic week. Villalba’s also received reps at the RWB spot during trainings before.

Central Midfielder #1: Jeff Larentowicz.

Central Midfielder #2: Darlington Nagbe.

Attacking Midfielder: Miguel Almiron.

Striker #1: Ezequiel Barco.

Striker #2: Josef Martinez.

To recap, here’s my projected lineup against Sporting Kansas City.

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