It appears likely to be a slow week for Atlanta United news (famous last words).
So, I thought I’d take a stab at predicting the starting lineup for the March 5 opener against New York Red Bulls at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium, which is my home away from home (Georgia Dome) away from home (parts unknown, like all good professional wrestlers).
The roster as of now is: goalkeepers Alex Tambakis and Alec Kann, defenders Greg Garza, Mikey Ambrose, Michael Parkhurst, Zach Loyd and Mark Bloom, midfielders Harrison Heath, Hector Villalba, Miguel Almiron, Jeff Larentowicz, Chris McCann, Kevin Kratz, Andrew Carleton and Chris Goslin, and forwards Kenwyne Jones, Jacob Peterson , Jeffrey Otoo, Brandon Vazquez and Romario Williams.
This projection should be taken with a grain of salt because the number of players on the roster will likely be doubled between now and training camp so that competition for all positions can be created. The team will then pick the best 28, which will be somewhat fluid, and off we will go.
This projection will take into account some rumors or reported signings that have yet to be completed or at least announced.
It will also reflect manager Gerardo Martino telling my c olleague Mark Bradley that he wants to play a 4-3-3 system :
GK: Brad Guzan. Signing hasn’t been announced yet, but the rumor has been out there for weeks. Only thing stopping it is China. What, too soon?
LB: Greg Garza will give Martino a bombing presence up the flank in its preferred pressing approach.
CB: Zach Loyd is the penciled-in starter here. There are rumors that Atlanta United wants to sign a top-level CB (no offense to Loyd). It would seem unlikely that player would push out Parkhurst.
CB: Michael Parkhurst. Seems likely to be made captain, but that’s just a guess.
RB: Mark Bloom/Mikey Ambrose. Bloom has posted one good season in MLS, so this spot may be up for grabs.
LM: Chris McCann/Kevin Kratz. Competition at this spot between these two.
CM: Miguel Almiron. The playmaker in the middle of the pitch for the team.
RM: Jeff Larentowicz. Not his ideal spot, but he will likely tuck in with Garza attacking the outside flanks.
RW: Jacob Peterson. Not confident in this pick, but I think it’s too soon for Andrew Carleton.
CF: Kenwyne Jones. The target man for the wingers and overlapping fullbacks.
LW: Hector Villalba. The speedy winger could thrive in Martino’s system.
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Now, if the team reverts to a 4-2-3-1, here is a projection:
GK: Brad Guzan.
LB: Greg Garza.
CB: Zach Loyd.
CB: Michael Parkhurst.
RB: Mark Bloom/Mikey Ambrose.
DM: Jeff Larentowicz. Seems a better spot for the 33-year-old.
DM: Chris McCann. His reported passing ability (I haven’t seen him play live yet) will spring the counter-attacks.
LM: Hector Villalba.
CM: Miguel Almiron
RM: Jacob Peterson/Kevin Kratz. Seems a better spot for Kratz.
CF: Kenwyne Jones.
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