The 3-5-2 or the 4-3-3, which formation will Atlanta United use tonight when it hosts Sporting KC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium?
The team is unbeaten in eight games using the 3-5-2, including last week’s 2-1 win against Chicago.
So…there’s that. And that’s important.
But there are two factors that may necessitate a one-time change.
The first is the team has another game on Sunday. Going with the 3-5-2 three times in eight days would be physically taxing on a few of the positions, notably the wingbacks.
The second is the 4-3-3 could be necessary because it seems likely the team will be without centerbacks Franco Escobar (chest) and Chris McCann (hamstring), which reduces manager Gerardo Martino’s roster to three healthy, natural centerbacks: Michael Parkhurst, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez and Miles Robinson. Robinson looked good in his only start earlier this season, but as I said, there are only three.
Jeff Larentowicz or Sal Zizzo can play centerback, but that’s not their natural spot.
So, having said all that, I think you may see the return of the 4-3-3 because Martino will need to hold one centerback in reserve just in case Gonzalez Pirez does something that results in two yellow cards or a red. It’s not out of the question.
The 4-3-3 will also allow Martino to start the team’s full offensive arsenal for the first time this season. Who are they? Come on, man….
So, here’s my 11:
Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan.
Right fullback: Sal Zizzo, on for his first start.
Centerback: Michael Parkhurst, the team’s captain.
Centerback: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.
Left fullback: Mikey Ambrose. I think Garza may get a rest in this game simply because there is another game on Sunday.
Holding midfielder: Jeff Larentowicz.
Holding midfielder: Darlington Nagbe, who was the team’s man of the match against Chicago.
Attacking midfielder: Miguel Almiron, who has six goals and five assists this season as he builds an MVP campaign.
Left wing: Ezequiel Barco, who looked sharp last week in his second start.
Right wing: Hector Villalba.
Striker: Josef Martinez, who leads the league with seven goals.
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But, if Martino goes with the 3-5-2, here’s my lineup:
Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan.
Right wingback: Sal Zizzo, on for his second start and replacing Julian Gressel, who likely can play as a true fullback but there is another game on Sunday.
Centerback: Michael Parkhurst, the team’s captain.
Centerback: Leandro Gonzalez Pirez.
Centerback: Miles Robinson, in his second start.
Left wingback: Mikey Ambrose. I think Garza may get a rest in this game simply because there is another game on Sunday.
Holding midfielder: Jeff Larentowicz.
Midfielder: Darlington Nagbe, who was the team’s man of the match against Chicago.
Attacking midfielder: Miguel Almiron, who has six goals and five assists this season as he builds an MVP campaign.
Striker: Ezequiel Barco, who looked sharp last week in his second start.
Striker: Josef Martinez, who leads the league with seven goals.
