Predicting Atlanta United’s starting XI at Portland Timbers

The injury list has grown shorter and shorter for Atlanta United in recent weeks. But in a big match out west against the Portland Timbers, it does include two names of note: Franco Escobar sustained a knock against América, while a hip injury will hold Eric Remedi out of the lineup. Brandon Vazquez won’t play either as he played about 30 minutes for ATL UTD 2 on Friday in a rehab stint while nursing a hip injury of his own.

But it’s not all bad for Atlanta, who do have some pieces to work with. Florentin Pogba showed well in Campeones Cup this week and should feature this evening, while Miles Robinson (who came on for Escobar just before the half) and Ezequiel Barco (a very late sub) are set to return to the XI. Depth wise, Mikey Ambrose is questionable, but I doubt he plays at all today - it’s likely that he’ll get some USL time before rejoining the first team. There’s also a potential X-factor in Tito Villalba waiting to get his first MLS minutes in three months.

With all that being said, here’s the projected starting XI for Atlanta United (3-5-2):

Your thoughts on this? Let me know down in the comments.

*-and by popular demand, the lineup graphic matches the formation this week