Who will start for Atlanta United (12-8-7) in Wednesday’s game against L.A. Galaxy (7-15-6) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium?

I think it will be a strong lineup for a couple of reasons.

Manager Gerardo Martino said he doesn’t see signs of fatigue in his players, who will be competing in their fourth game in 11 days on Wednesday.

Plus, last week he said he thinks the teams needs at least nine more points to secure one of the six playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. They picked up one point from a 3-3 draw with Orlando City. Here’s who I think will start:

The goalkeeper will be Brad Guzan.

The fullbacks be Anton Walkes, who seems OK after picking up a knock against the Lions, and Chris McCann, who will make his second consecutive start in place of the injured Greg Garza, who left Wednesday's game New England with a hamstring injury. The centerhalves will be Michael Parkhurst and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, back from his one-game suspension.

The holding midfielders will be Carlos Carmona and Julian Gressel, in for Jeff Larentowicz, who I think may be given a rest.

The attacking midfielder will be Miguel Almiron.

The wide midfielders will be Hector Villalba and Yamil Asad.

The striker will be Josef Martinez, who was named the player of the week after scoring six goals in the past two games. He has 16 goals in 14 games.

SOUTHERN FRIED SOCCER PODCASTS

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta United President Garth Lagerwey (left) and Sporting Director Chris Henderson — pictured during Henderson's introductory press conference in December 2024 — either separately or together won the MLS Cup in 2009, 2016 and 2019 and finished runner-up in 2013, 2017 and 2020. They also won the CONCACAF Champions League together in 2022. (Christina Matacotta for the AJC 2024)

Featured

Coca-Cola plans to sell a majority stake in Africa’s largest Coca-Cola bottler. (AJC FILE)