Predicting Atlanta United’s starting lineup at DC United

After a memorable win against Orlando City, Atlanta United turns its attention to a revitalized D.C. United team looking to stake their claim for a playoff spot.

The big question regarding Atlanta’s lineup heading into this Eastern Conference showdown is whether or not we see Franco Escobar, who missed the last match due to an injury suffered two days prior. Will the multifaceted Julian Gressel step up in his place once again? Let’s try and figure this out.

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

*I’m probably wrong.

Formation: 4-3-3. With no player other than the inexperienced George Bello and Jose Hernandez who could realistically cover for Chris McCann in the 3-5-2’s left wingback spot while he drops to the backline, we’ll definitely still see the 4-3-3.

Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan.

Left Back: Chris McCann.

Center Back #1: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.

Center Back #2: Michael Parkhurst.

Right Back: Julian Gressel. Franco Escobar was listed as “week-to-week” by Tata Martino at the beginning of last week and he’s hinted at the team being in trouble at this position if Gressel were to go down with an injury as well, so all signs point to the German starting here for the second straight match.

Central Midfielder #1: Jeff Larentowicz.

Central Midfielder #2: Eric Remedi.

Attacking Midfielder: Miguel Almiron.

Left Winger: Ezequiel Barco. He was very good in his return to the starting lineup. Barco was very effective through the center of the field, which could be a taste of what’s to come next season should Almiron be sold.

Right Winger: Tito Villalba.

Striker: Josef Martinez. Who else?

To recap, here’s my projected lineup against D.C. United.

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