The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Doug Roberson (@DougRobersonAJC) predicts Atlanta United’s starting lineup for Saturday’s MLS playoff game against New England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Manager Frank de Boer has said that centerbacks Miles Robinson (hamstring) and Flo Pogba (precaution) won’t start. Robinson won’t even play. That, combined with the team using a four-man backline in the second half of the previous meeting against the Revs, makes me think the team may switch its formation from a 3-4-2-1 to a 4-3-3 with the fullbacks pushed up and the defensive midfielder dropping deep.
But for now, I think they will start with the same 3-5-2/3-4-2-1 that it has been using:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan
Centerback Franco Escobar
Centerback Michael Parkhurst
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez
Right wingback Julian Gressel
Left wingback Justin Meram
Defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz
Defensive midfielder Darlington Nagbe
Midfielder Emerson Hyndman
Striker Ezequiel Barco
Striker Josef Martinez
This is 10 of the 11 players who started the previous game against New England. The only exception is Michael Parkhurst in for Robinson.
I don’t think Pity Martinez will start. I don’t think he’ll start another game in the playoffs because his penchant for turnovers, which turn into counterattacks, seems like not Frank de Boer’s cup of tea. Before those who are fans of Pity Martinez protest, please remember that neither Hector Villalba nor Ezequiel Barco started a game during last year’s playoffs. A different reason, but there was still a reason.
Should Atlanta United switch to a back four, which I think they will do if they get a lead, I think it will look like this:
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan
Right fullback Franco Escobar
Centerback Michael Parkhurst
Centerback Leandro Gonzalez Pirez
Left fullback Justin Meram (Soon subbed out for Mikey Ambrose)
Defensive midfielder Jeff Larentowicz
Defensive midfielder Darlington Nagbe
Midfielder Emerson Hyndman
Right midfielder Julian Gressel
Left midfielder Ezequiel Barco
Striker Josef Martinez
About the Author
