Predicting Atlanta United’s XI vs Club America

After coming off a win in their MLS opener, Atlanta United will face off against Club America in the quarter-finals of the CCL in Mexico. De Boer didn't make significant changes to the starting line up like many were expecting, just man for man changes regarding the injuries to Josef Martinez and Franco Escobar. Instead of a 4-3-3 that was predicted, De Boer stayed with his 3-4-2-1 with Jahn and Wyke in the starting XI.

Atlanta United are going into the Azteca with very limited options to the backline.

I really don’t expect De Boer to make any significant changes to the lineup, considering that they just played Saturday night and it doesn’t give him much time to introduce some new tactics and players to the XI.

My predicted line up:

I chose two different formations because you never know what formation De Boer will use. Most of the squad can play different positions, so it’s always interesting to see where they might end up in the XI.

Defense:

It’s frightening how thin we are of options in defense. With Wyke coming out of the game early on Saturday, Campbell came on as an emergency sub and made his MLS debut with an impressive outing. There is reason to believe why someone would think that maybe Larentowicz will start over Campbell, but Campbell was the emergency sub in for Wyke, so he will most likely start vs. America.

Walkes is a player that can play many positions and was in the running to play as a full-back against Cincinnati, wouldn’t be surprised if that is where he ended up Wednesday night.

Bello may start as well. He played for Atlanta United 2 on Sunday, so its possible De Boer has plans for him in the Azteca Wednesday night.

Midfield:

The midfield will not change as Remedi and Hyndman continue their great run of form.

Hyndman is continuing to impress, scoring the game-winner in both MLS game this season and winning back-to-back Man of the Match awards. This is what Atlanta United fans expected of him, and its great to see him performing so well.

Attack:

The Barco-Pity duo lit up the Mercedes-Benz Saturday night as they both were creating chances for each other and combining beautifully. In Josef’s absence, this is crucial for Atlanta.

Jahn performed well in his first start in Atlanta, creating space for Pity and Barco to create chances. His hold up play was good, and his strength and size helped tremendously.

Rossetto might get the start and play as a possible false nine. He was subbed on Saturday night and performed well giving Atlanta United fans something to look forward too.

Who’s Out?

Robinson, Wyke, Castillo, Escobar, and Josef are all out with injuries.

Wyke seems to be okay after suffering a scary knock on the head Saturday night, he will be out for this week and hopefully training with the rest of the first team players next week

Robinson seems to be nearing his return. It’s only a matter of time before he’s back in the starting XI.

Things to look for:

Substitutes.

It’s said that Castro will possibly get up to 30 minutes tomorrow and make his Atlanta United debut. It’ll be exciting to see what the young winger can bring to Atlanta United’s attack. Another sub to watch is Rossetto. If he doesn’t start, he will obviously be one of the first subs De Boer uses.

One to watch:

My one to watch for this matchup is going to be Campbell. He played well as an emergency sub Saturday night, and he’s likely to start in the Azteca.

Let me know your predictions in the comments below!