Who will start for Atlanta United (1-1-0) in Saturday’s game against Vancouver (2-0-0) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium?

Unlike the last two weeks, I'm going to give you just one scenario because I'll be stunned if manager Gerardo Martino uses anything other than the 3-5-2 that carried the team to a 3-1 win against D.C. United in Week 2. That, and the 4-3-3 he used last season against Vancouver didn't work very well in a 3-1 loss at BC Place.

Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan. He said yesterday that it’s important that the team not give away corners and free kicks.

Centerback: Franco Escobar.

Centerback: Michael Parkhurst.

Centerback: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. These three will be charged with trying to win the aerial duels on Vancouver’s set pieces.

Left wingback: Greg Garza.

Right wingback: Julian Gressel.

Holding midfielder: Jeff Larentowicz.

Midfielder: Darlington Nagbe, who had an assist last week.

Attacking midfielder: Miguel Almiron, who scored a goal and had an assist last week.

Striker: Hector Villalba, who scored a goal and had two assists last week.

Striker: Josef Martinez, who scored a  goal last week.

ajc.com
icon to expand image

About the Author

Keep Reading

Featured

Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller