Predicting Atlanta United’s starting lineup at Orlando City

After a satisfying win against the Columbus Crew, Atlanta United begins its four-match road trip against Orlando City. Just like last week, the biggest question in terms of Atlanta’s lineup heading into Friday night will be the status of Ezequiel Barco and whether he will return to a starting role or not. Let’s do our best to answer that question.

Here is the definite, surefire lineup for August 24.*

*I’m probably wrong.

Formation: 4-3-3. If it ain’t broke...I think.

Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan.

Left Back: Chris McCann. Greg Garza appears to be on his way back, but expect the Irishman to hold down the fort for at least the next handful of games. He’ll have to avoid a yellow card on Friday if he wants to play against D.C. United.

Center Back #1: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.

Center Back #2: Michael Parkhurst. He should also try and avoid a yellow.

Right Back: Franco Escobar.

Central Midfielder #1: Jeff Larentowicz.

Central Midfielder #2: Eric Remedi. It’ll be real interesting to see what happens to the midfield once Darlington Nagbe returns, which apparently isn’t too long from now considering he has started running again.

Attacking Midfielder: Miguel Almiron.

Left Winger: Tito Villalba. I was genuinely surprised to actually see him on the left against Columbus. He wasn’t truly effective in the match until he switched over to the right, but it’s tough to think Tata Martino would push Villalba or Julian Gressel out of the lineup with their current form in order to bring in Barco.

Right Winger: Julian Gressel.

Striker: Josef Martinez. The record is yours, sweet prince. Orlando is yours, sweet prince. The world is yours, sweet prince.

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

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