Predicting Atlanta United’s starting lineup vs. Seattle Sounders

After a convincing win against the Philadelphia Union, Atlanta United turns its attention to the defending Western Conference champion Seattle Sounders. With Eric Remedi still unavailable, does Tata Martino keep the same midfield? Does Chris McCann replace Mikey Ambrose in the lineup? Let’s try and answer these questions.

Here is the definite, surefire lineup for July 15.*

*I’m probably wrong.

Formation: 4-3-3.

Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan.

Left Back: Mikey Ambrose. Even if McCann didn’t need more than one substitute appearance to return to full fitness, Martino likely prefers Ambrose’s urgency to get upfield and join attacks rather than McCann’s slightly more defensive mindset. Ambrose does have his defensive flaws no doubt, but against a team like Seattle that really struggles to score goals, he’ll do.

Center Back #1: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.

Center Back #2: Michael Parkhurst.

Right Back: Franco Escobar. He was outstanding against the Union. He also claimed to be about as fast as Miguel Almiron earlier this week. When will he let us know that he can score goals like Josef Martinez?

Central Midfielder #1: Jeff Larentowicz. This might change in a couple weeks. We shall see.

Central Midfielder #2: Julian Gressel. This might change in a couple weeks. We shall see.

Attacking Midfielder: Miguel Almiron.

Left Winger: Ezequiel Barco.

Right Winger: Tito Villalba. This is just an excuse to show his goal against Philadelphia again.

Bless.

Striker: Josef Martinez. Only once has Seattle scored at least three goals in a match this season. I kind of need Josef to do that on his own on Sunday.

To recap, here’s my projected lineup against the Seattle Sounders.

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