Who will start for Atlanta United (15-9-9) in Sunday’s game against Toronto (20-5-8)?

Atlanta United will likely try field its strongest possible lineup to keep pressure on NYCFC in the race for the second seed in the playoffs. The team is in fourth and trails the boys in Manchester blue by 2 points. Chicago is in third and Columbus trails Atlanta United by one points. It’s traffic like I-75 on a Friday afternoon.

The Five Stripes should get a boost from the return of Miguel Almiron, but likely without left fullbacks Greg Garza and Chris McCann and key backup Brandon Vazquez.

Here goes:

Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan.

Right fullback: Anton Walkes.

Centerback: Michael Parkhurst.

Centerback: Jeff Larentowicz, in for Leandro  Gonzalez Pirez who is suspended because of yellow card accumulation.

Left fullback: Mikey Ambrose.

Holding midfielder: Carlos Carmona.

Holding midfielder: Julian Gressel.

Right midfielder: Hector Villalba.

Attacking midfielder: Miguel Almiron.

Left midfielder: Yamil Asad.

Striker: Josef Martinez.

Neither Martinez, Guzan, Ambrose nor Walkes faced Toronto in their first meeting, a 2-2 draw. Villalba scored both goals in that game back in April.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Former Silverbacks coach Gary Smith led Colorado to an MLS title in 2010. Smith not only knows MLS, he’s familiar with Atlanta. (North American Soccer League)

Featured

Housing affordability is the top concern for metro Atlanta residents, according to a new survey. (Ben Hendren for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Hendren