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After four months of no Atlanta United, we are finally back. We play our first group stage game against our rivals, the New York Red Bulls. In the time that the MLS season and all of sports were suspended, Atlanta United was able to get many players back from injury like Miles Robinson and Escobar.
My predicted lineup:
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They could switch formations in game to a 4-2-2-2 or 4-2-3-1 with Lennon playing a little further up front. This would mean that Pity or Barco would play behind Jahn or as a second striker.
Defense:
We finally have our full defense back. The MLS suspension gave players like Robinson and Escobar to work back into full fitness and be ready for the return of MLS. Before the shutdown, Atlanta depth in defense was slim to none. Now back in full force, they have one of the best defenses in MLS. Mulraney is a name that might come as a surprise with options like George Bello and Edgar Castillo now available, but his willingness to defend in performances earlier in the season has earned him that starting spot on left. Atlanta fans should be very excited to see the partnership of Meza and Robinson, as they have impressed so far in training.
Pity likes what he sees from the Meza-Robinson pairing. Meza has the experience to help Robinson with things he's still learning tactically, and Robinson brings the physicality. #ATLUTD
— Joe Patrick (@japatrick200) July 9, 2020
Midfield:
Remedi and Hyndman were solid in the midfield before suspension. There were big expectations on both of them when the season started, but they both have seemed to rise to the occasion.
Attack:
With Josef still out, the attack might not be as lethal, but Atlanta has a lot of options. Jahn had been playing for Josef and he was doing well. His strength created space for both Barco and Pity to get into those scoring positions, much like against FC Cincinnati at Mercedes-Benz.
Personally I want to see Mattheus Rossetto play as a false 9, that way he can rotate in and out of the role with Pity and Barco, as its said they have been training as false 9’s.
I don't think this will be the game to try it though as the games against the Red Bulls are usually very physical.
Regardless of who starts, Frank de Boer told media yesterday that he will almost certainly be using all five of his substitutions, which means players like Rossetto, Manuel Castro, and others will all have a significant role to play.