Predicting Atlanta United’s starting XI vs Chicago Fire

Atlanta United finally won their first match since August against FC Dallas in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They performed well all around and showed us some of that style we were used to seeing.

It was an impressive all-around game, and the only thing missing for Atlanta was creating and finishing those chances.

Atlanta United starting XI vs. FC Dallas:

Stephen Glass is starting to figure out how he can get the best out of his squad, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. They face Chicago Fire who has also struggled this season. Atlanta needs to gain momentum to make the playoffs. Can they grab all three points in the Windy City?

My predicted starting XI:

Defense:

Fernando Meza finally made it back into the starting lineup after a knee injury that kept him out a couple of weeks. He was everywhere defensively for Atlanta and gave the backline the energy and experience they needed. Franco Escobar also had a man of the match caliber performance, and Glass will hope to see Escobar build from that performance for the rest of the season.

Midfield:

Matheus Rossetto and Emerson Hyndman both played their best games of the season Wednesday night. Larentowicz started the game slow but began to play better as time passed on. I do feel like Remedi would be the best player to play behind both Rossetto and Hyndman if they continue to play the high press.

Attack:

Glass has finally found the attacking solution he desperately needed in the absence of Josef Martinez and now the newly signed DP Marcelino Moreno. Jon Gallagher and Jake Mulraney, both combined beautifully in the attack, created chances for Atlanta United. Assuming Ezequiel Barco still might not be fit to start a game and play a full 90 minutes, Brooks Lennon will get that start on the right-hand side.

Lennon has played one of the most minutes in the squad since the MLS season resumed, so it’ll be interesting to see if Glass will rotate and possibly go with Manuel Castro.

Let us know your prediction!