Predicting Atlanta United’s starting XI against CF Montreal

Atlanta United have been in a little bit of a funk over its last four matches: it’s lost 2 (3-0 to Philadelphia in leg 1 of the CCL quarterfinals, 2-1 against the New England Revolution) and drawn 2 (1-1 against Philly in the CCL quarterfinal 2nd leg and down at Inter Miami by the same scoreline). One positive the club can take from the draw against Miami is a goal by Josef Martinez, which will hopefully open the floodgates as that’s an enormous psychological boost for both him and the club.

We’ll see if the Five Stripes can get back on track against CF Montreal, the team formerly known as Montreal Impact. Atlanta’s had its way with the Canadian side to the tune of 3-0-0 at home and 4-1-1 overall; under first-year head coach Wilfried Nancy, though, Montreal’s 2-1-2 on the young season and are coming off a victory against Miami in Ft. Lauderdale, where it’s set up camp at IMCF’s ground due to COVID-19 restrictions barring re-entry into Canada.

Here’s how I think Gabriel Heinze’s men will line up:

• GK: Brad Guzan (c)
• LB: George Bello
• CB: Miles Robinson
• CB: Alan Franco
• RB: Brooks Lennon
• MF: Santiago Sosa
• MF: Emerson Hyndman
• MF: Marcelino Moreno
• LW: Erik Lopez
• RW: Jake Mulraney
• ST: Josef Martinez

• Erik Lopez and Jake Mulraney should get the call with Ezequiel Barco and Jurgen Damm still out. Mulraney had a tough outing on Sunday at Miami and probably should have had a goal to his name, so hopefully it’s a bounceback game for both him and Lopez.
• Anton Walkes started next to Miles Robinson at centerback on Sunday. I think we’ll see Alan Franco back out there on Saturday as he’s been able to get himself fit and ready to go for the contest.

Let me know what you think in the comments below.