In their second Preseason friendly, Atlanta United take on the Columbus Crew!

Where to watch/listen

Time: 5:00 PM Eastern Time

Watch: Atlanta United Official Website

Radio: 92.9 The Game with Jason Longshore and Mike Conti

Weather

Yes, I know this is a bad gif.

Predicted Lineup

Last week Tata played a 4-3-3 formation but had to improvise as Escobar, Parkhurst, and Villalba were out. Parkhurst and Escobar are back so they get the start but I haven’t heard any stories about Tito Villalba this week or updates so Gressel will start over him this week.

As it is a friendly and Tata gets unlimited subs, I expect him to make lots of subs like last week. Last week, Tata switched to a 3-5-2 as the subs came on and I expect him to do that again this game. This isn’t neccesarily going to be the 45th minute lineup but I did it as if it’s the 70th minute. LGP came out last week but I’m not sure if it was a fitness issue, injury, or foul trouble but I wouldn’t be surprised if he does play the whole game. The back 3 is really up for grabs as to who comes in and who stays in. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Tata brought Goslin in but played him more as a traditional 6.

Prediction

Last week, Atlanta got a soggy 3-1 Win in their first preseason friendly vs. Nashville SC. It was a very sloppy win which included an assist by a puddle

Hopefully, it doesn’t rain for this game but it will still be a pretty good test for this squad as unfortunately Columbus knocked us out of the playoffs last year.

In the first half last week, the first team (especially Almirón) couldn’t find a goal and struggled to convert and create chances in the final third. The second half was better although it wasn’t a huge test as it wasn’t against the Nashville first team and the goals we’re pretty scrappy. I don’t expect Atlanta to make a full 180° with their sloppy play but with Escobar, Parkhurst, and villalba all potentially back, Atlanta should have better possession, better stability on the back line, and have better play in the final third.

Atlanta United 2-1 Columbus Crew

Scorers:

Atlanta: Martínez, Williams Columbus: Zardes (Yes, I know. Bold!)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

Reddit

