Predicting Atlanta United’s starting lineup at Columbus Crew

After a gritty 1-1 draw against NYCFC, Atlanta United turns its attention to another tough Eastern Conference matchup against the Columbus Crew. The biggest question for Wednesday is whether Miguel Almiron will be available for selection after exiting last match with a shoulder injury. Is the Paraguayan healthy enough to start or does he preserve himself until the U.S. Open Cup clash against the Chicago Fire on June 20? Let’s do our best to play the guessing game. I’m feeling lucky.

Here is the definite, surefire lineup for June 13.*

*I’m probably wrong.

Formation: 3-5-2.

Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan.

Center Back #1: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.

Center Back #2: Michael Parkhurst.

Center Back #3: Franco Escobar.

Left Wingback: Mikey Ambrose. Still no Chris McCann just yet, as he’s dealing with a hamstring injury for a third straight match.

Right Wingback: Julian Gressel.

Central Midfielder #1: Jeff Larentowicz.

Central Midfielder #2: Darlington Nagbe.

Attacking Midfielder: Miguel Almiron. I’m calling Tata Martino’s bluff. YOU HERE ME, TATA?!?! In all seriousness, Almiron seemed to be moving OK during the few glimpses we saw of him warming up before training. The more interesting question is who starts in his place if he isn’t able to go. If Tito Villalba had played recently, I would put him up top and have Ezequiel Barco move down to Almiron’s spot. However, since Villalba will likely need a couple appearances off the bench to get himself going, I’ll take Romario Williams in a fun striker pairing with Josef Martinez.

Hopefully this is all just theoretical though.

Striker #1: Josef Martinez.

Striker #2: Ezequiel Barco.

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

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