Predicting Atlanta United’s lineup at New York Red Bulls

I doubt that many people foresaw Atlanta United having a shot at 18 out of a possible 18 points heading into this evening’s matchup against the New York Red Bulls. Look at the schedule over the past couple of weeks: at Sporting Kansas City, Toronto FC, Orlando City, at the Vancouver Whitecaps, at the New York Red Bulls. And, after tonight, following a mini-break, Atlanta heads to Real Salt Lake for a Friday night matchup before back-to-back home matches against Minnesota United (May 29) and the Chicago Fire (June 1). Oh, by the way, it hasn’t allowed a goal in 456 minutes.

All that to say, if the Five Stripes leave Harrison, a place it’s never won, with at least a point just four days after playing on the other coast, count it an overwhelming success.

Without further ado...

Note: I probably went a little too far with my predicted rotations for Wednesday’s match, partly because of the gravity this one has. But tonight should be back to (relative) normal: Tito Villalba back on the left, Julian Gressel on the right, and Darlington Nagbe and Michael Parkhurst back in the lineup after staying home for the Vancouver match. I think Frank de Boer returns to slotting Parkhurst at left back, where he’s been largely good.

Thoughts on the above? Let me know in the comments.