Predicting Atlanta United’s XI vs Inter Miami

Editor’s Note: This article was written prior to the news about Pity Martinez that broke today. So let us know how you’d set up the team without him in the comments.

Atlanta United finally lost to Orlando City for the first time in the clubs’ history. Atlanta United was coming into the match with three key players out of the starting lineup; Franco Escobar (suspension), Ezequiel Barco, and Emerson Hyndman (fitness). That shouldn’t be an excuse for why they played the way they did, but Glass will look to learn from the negatives and build on the positives from that loss.

Glass was not joking when he said that he wouldn’t change the lineup at all from the game that was postponed against Inter Miami in South Florida. For one, I thought that he was playing some mind games with Orlando, guess not.

This was Atlanta’s starting XI:

Obviously with the loss some things need to change, who will get into Stephen Glass starting lineup Wednesday night?

My XI prediction:

Barco and Hyndman are both listed as questionable. They were out with minor injuries, but both should be ready for limited game time.

Defense:

A three-man defense to me is the only way that Escobar can fit into this lineup with Brooks Lennon. He could replace Walkes, but I don’t think a two-man defense with Escobar and Miles Robinson is the best idea. Thanks to the versatility possessed by both Escobar and Lennon, the shape can look like a back 4 in attack, but have an extra man in defense when the team is out of possession.

Midfield:

With Larentowicz in this starting lineup, he can be the one to organize the midfield and the defense. But the veteran leader hasn’t started yet under Glass, and Remedi has been heavily relied-upon this season for Atlanta. In my opinion, it’s one or the other. I don’t think they could both play in this formation, it would leave very little help going forward. Hyndman is a key man but coming back from a minor injury, there might be a limit to what he can do. Rossetto could be key coming off the bench.

Attack:

I hope that it’s finally time for Cubo to start for Atlanta United. Jahn just has not worked out for Atlanta, and Cubo should be match fit by now to go at least 75 minutes. The right-wing position was also a tough one to pick. Damm doesn’t seem ready for a start after only playing a little over 10 minutes last Saturday, while Barco played around 30 minutes. Damm did assist (from a cross!!) Atlanta’s only goal and looked dangerous on the wing, making him a contender to start on that right-hand side.

What to look for:

Subs will be important in this match. Glass will have to use everyone because there will be heavy legs with the amount of games being played. They will be playing their second game in a week, and there are a lot more games to be played.

There are many different way Glass can lineup, let us know your prediction!