Predicting Atlanta United’s starting XI vs. Toronto FC

It was the same old story for Atlanta United fans as they drew 1-1 vs. Inter Miami on Wednesday night. The subs were the ones that saved the day for Stephen Glass as Jake Mulraney tapped in the equalizing goal following an incredible run from Jurgen Damm, who showed how his speed with the ball for the first time in red and black.

Atlanta United’s starting XI vs. Inter Miami:

To keep playoff hopes alive, Atlanta need to secure three points from first place Toronto FC. Can Stephen Glass lead his men to an impressive victory?

My predicted starting XI vs. Toronto FC:

Defense:

It wasn’t easy to decide whether to put Fernando Meza or Anton Walkes. But Walkes has started the last four games, and legs could be starting to get heavy. Some rotation would be good for this Atlanta United backline, and having a player like Meza available is not bad at all. Escobar will obviously play if he’s recovered from his injury that held him out against Miami. He is one yellow card away from a suspension.

Midfield:

Marcelino Moreno didn’t play against Inter Miami on Wednesday night, largely due to rest from playing last Saturday. One week full of training later, he should be ready to go and start for Atlanta. He might not be ready to play a full 90-minute game, but Atlanta needs him to help create those changes that have not been created through the majority of the duration of the season.

I chose Eric Remedi over Jeff Larentowicz for the same reason I chose Meza over Walkes. Legs are beginning to get heavy, and Atlanta cannot afford more injuries in this stretch of the season. Expect to see Larentowicz if Atlanta has a chance to secure any kind of result late on.

Attack:

Jurgen Damm has been an impressive spark for Stephen Glass since recovering from a small hamstring strain. Brooks Lennon has become a key player to Glass, but with Damm impressing and playing well, can Lennon finally get a rest after starting six straight games?

It’ll be interesting to see if Ezequiel Barco and Matheus Rossetto will be on the bench for Atlanta. It could be a perfect game for them to get minutes and get ready for a possible playoff run. Same for Cubo Torres, who will need to continue to progress his minutes played if he’s to lead the line if this team makes the playoffs.