Predicting Atlanta United’s starting XI vs. Philadelphia Union in Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal 1st leg

Atlanta United have never advanced to the Concacaf Champions League semifinals in 2 previous tries. This year, it has its best shot at doing so as it will face fellow MLS side Philadelphia Union in the quarterfinals, a stark departure from being forced to play Monterrey and América. The Union are coming off a 2-1 loss to Inter Miami on Saturday, so hopefully the Five Stripes can ride a nice win over Chicago Fire FC and build for themselves a nice cushion heading into Leg 2 in Chester next week.

Here’s what I think the starting XI will look like on Tuesday:

• ST: Josef Martinez
• LW: Ezequiel Barco
• CAM: Marcelino Moreno
• RW: Jake Mulraney
• MF: Emerson Hyndman
• MF: Santiago Sosa
• LWB: George Bello
• CB: Anton Walkes
• CB: Miles Robinson
• RWB: Jack Gurr
• GK: Brad Guzan (c)

As you can see, not a great deal of rotation from Saturday’s match, apart from the man up top and at RWB with Brooks Lennon unavailable. Keep in mind Ronald Hernandez wasn’t even on the team sheet on Saturday so that might be a sign that at least for now Gabriel Heinze probably rates Gurr over Hernandez—although that might change as the weeks go by.

A quick note: goalkeeping-wise, should something happen to Brad Guzan this time around, Ben Lundgaard will be the backup.

What are your thoughts? Chime in below in the comments.