Predicting Atlanta United’s starting XI at Inter Miami

While we aren’t sure what the timeline of a return for Ezequiel Barco will be for Atlanta United, we do know that he’s out against Inter Miami as the two clubs meet at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. And for a Five Stripes team looking for something—anything—in the attacking realm, they’ll hope that Barco’s stint on the injured list is a short one. Obviously, they’ll be hoping that Josef Martinez starts to look like his old self soon.

Here’s what I think the lineup will be:

• 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

• I’ve heard a few people potentially call for Ronald Hernandez to start at RB and Brooks Lennon to be moved up to RW. At this point, I’d probably bring Hernandez in with about 30 minutes to go and ease his way back into action. I’m also slotting Mulraney ahead of Damm, who was listed as out in the injury report.
• With Barco out once more, so I’m putting Erik Lopez at LW and Marcelino Moreno at center midfield. Lopez seemed a bit of a forgotten man over the first few matches of the season with light playing time but should be in line for back-to-back starts on Sunday against Miami.
• Josef Martinez went 78 minutes against Philly on Tuesday, and I think he’s getting close to a point where he can string several starts together. While he should start against Miami, I don’t think he’ll be out there for the full 90.

What are your thoughts? Let me know down in the comments.