Who will start for Atlanta United (15-8-8) in Tuesday’s game against Minnesota (9-16-5) to end a stretch of eight games in 24 days?

Atlanta United cant field its strongest possible lineup to keep pressure on NYCFC in the race for the second seed in the playoffs because it will be without several key players, including striker Josef Martinez, attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron, left fullback Greg Garza, right fullback Anton Walkes and goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Here goes:

Goalkeeper: Kyle Reynish.

Right fullback: Ty Mears.

Centerback: Michael Parkhurst.

Centerback: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.

Left fullback: Chris McCann.

Holding midfielder: Carlos Carmona.

Holding midfielder: Jeff Larentowicz.

Right midfielder: Jacob Peterson.

Attacking midfielder: Julian Gressel.

Left midfielder: Yamil Asad.

Striker: Hector Villalba.

With Walkes, Garza and Guzan out, I think Martino will try to keep the core of the defense intact by playing Parkhurst, Gonzalez Pirez, Carmona and Larentowicz. This will be interesting to watch because if Gonazlez Pirez receives a yellow card he will be suspended again because of accumulation. The next game is at New York Red Bulls.

I think Villalba will slot in for Martinez as the best like-for-like replacement.

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Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank speaks during a press conference unveiling the U.S. Soccer National Training Center at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, September 16, 2023.
 Miguel Martinez / miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com

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