Who will start for Atlanta United when it visits New England on Wednesday?
Manager Gerardo Martino has a roster that’s healthier than ever with the return of fullback Jose Hernandez, defenders Chris McCann and Franco Escobar, and goalkeeper Mitch Hildebrandt from injuries.
But he's also hamstrung by the shoulder surgery performed on fullback Greg Garza and the yellow card accumulation and suspension of centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. That duo has been key performers for the squad the past 1 ½ seasons.
I incorrectly predicted a 4-3-3 lineup for the previous game against the New York Red Bulls. I reasoned that because the Red Bulls like to play out of the back, Martino would use the 4-3-3 to try pressure New York’s defenders. Martino instead used the 3-5-2 formation that the team maintained during a nine-game unbeaten run. That run ended with a 3-1 loss to the Red Bulls.
Because the Revs like to press, I think Martino will stick with the 3-5-2, to give the three centerbacks one more passing outlet in the midfield.
I’m guessing the lineup may actually morph into a 3-1-5-1 with Jeff Larentowicz dropping deeper to receive outlet passes from goalkeeper Brad Guzan or the centerbacks, and Ezequiel Barco dropping from a striker into the midfield to provide another outlet for Larentowicz or the centerbacks. It would be a tactic similar to what was used in the second half against Chicago.
I think Escobar will move back into the starting lineup as a centerback on the right, with the left-footed Chris McCann on the left and Michael Parkhurst in between.
I think Mikey Ambrose will replace Garza as the left wingback.
Here’s my predicted 11:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan.
Centerback Franco Escobar.
Centerback Michael Parkhurst, the team’s captain.
Centerback Chris McCann.
Right wingback Julian Gressel.
Left wingback Mikey Ambrose.
Holding midfielder Jeff Larentowicz.
Midfielder Darlington Nagbe.
Attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron.
Striker Ezequiel Barco, who has three goals in his past four games.
Striker Josef Martinez, who has eight goals, not including two that have been disallowed by the replay system.
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