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After two weeks without Atlanta United soccer, it’s back to the field for the Five Stripes, who begin a critical final stage of the season against the Columbus Crew at the Benz on Saturday. With six matches to go and Atlanta 6 points behind NYCFC for first place in the East (with a game in hand), it may need to realistically run the table to gain home field advantages all the way through to the conference finals. Tough, especially with a road match against NYC on September 25 looming, but with 4 home matches, not impossible.
Atlanta United’s Projected Starting XI against Columbus Crew SC (3-5-2)
Forwards: Josef Martinez - Pity Martinez
No change here.
Midfield: Emerson Hyndman - Eric Remedi - Darlington Nagbe
I think Hyndman gets the call here in place of an injured Ezequiel Barco over, say, Tito Villalba because he’s more of a tactical fit for de Boer’s system. He doesn’t provide the touch and play-making ability that Barco has, but he’s taken his chances for the most part when they’ve been given to him. I’d look for Villalba as a super-sub in the latter stages if the match is still in the balance.
Outside backs: Justin Meram - Julian Gressel
Meram was with the Iraqi national team and played all 90 minutes as it drew Bahrain 1-1 in an AFC World Cup Qualifier last Thursday. As for Gressel, that two weeks off should have done him a world of good.
Defenders: Florentin Pogba - Miles Robinson - Franco Escobar
Robinson was with the USMNT over the break and won his first two senior team caps as a substitute against Mexico and Uruguay. He should be good to go. LGP’s out due to yellow card accumulation.
Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan
Yep. Mr. Clean Sheet was always the choice here whether or not he played the full 90 in net with the USMNT against Uruguay on Tuesday.
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As always, let me know what you think down in the comments.