I think the starting lineup for Atlanta United in Saturday’s game against Houston will be exactly the same as it was last week when the team tied Portland 1-1.

Though fullback Greg Garza has been training, I think Mark Bloom will get the start for the second consecutive week.

Hector Villalba provided speed and the ability to work the channels, so he will again start as the lone striker instead of as the right midfielder. Houston will likely sit back and try to work counter-attacks. Villalba’s speed will be the first deterrent to breaking up attacks before they start.

Julian Gressel performed very well last week as a right midfielder, instead of in the middle where he has started eight games. The highlight was his first goal.

The rest of the lineup should be familiar.