Predicting Atlanta United’s starting lineup vs. Philadelphia Union

After a slightly disappointing 1-1 draw against the New England Revolution on Wednesday, Atlanta United turns its attention to a weekend matchup with the Philadelphia Union. Leandro Gonzalez Pirez returns from his one-match suspension, but who does he replace in the lineup? Does Tito Villalba’s questionable availability have any impact? Let’s do our best to answer those questions.

Here is the definite, surefire lineup for June 2.*

*I’m probably wrong.

Formation: 3-5-2.

Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan.

Center Back #1: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. Welcome back.

Center Back #2: Michael Parkhurst.

Center Back #3: Franco Escobar. When Guzan isn’t injuring him, Escobar is actually a pretty good soccer player.

Left Wingback: Chris McCann. He seems to be preferred over Mikey Ambrose on the left whenever there are three center backs available to make up the backline and another to come off the bench. That’s the case for this match, as Escobar, Parkhurst, and Pirez get the nod while Miles Robinson is a capable backup.

Right Wingback: Julian Gressel.

Central Midfielder #1: Jeff Larentowicz.

Central Midfielder #2: Darlington Nagbe.

Attacking Midfielder: Miguel Almiron.

Striker #1: Josef Martinez.

Striker #2: Ezequiel Barco. Although he missed a couple clear goal-scoring opportunities on Wednesday, Tata Martino said it was his best performance yet. Let’s hope the final product can come to fruition on Saturday.

To recap, here’s my projected lineup against the Philadelphia Union.

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