Atlanta United Host FC Dallas | Preview

Atlanta United defender Michael Parkhurst looks to return to action today against FC Dallas. (photo: Atlanta United)

Atlanta United returns home to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to host FC Dallas at 4 pm in a nationally televised match.  Atlanta picked-up their first win of the MLS season with a 2-0 win over the New England Revolution.

FC Dallas continues their solid opening after a win at home over MLS Cup runner-ups Portland Timbers 2-1. Dallas has won two in a row and has gathered 13 points already with four wins and a draw in their first seven matches.

Broadcast Details
TV: ESPN, TSN
English Radio: 92-9 The Game (local)
Spanish Radio: La Mejor 1600 AM

Pre-match coverage:
3:00 p.m.: AT&T Countdown to Kickoff (FB Live/Periscope)
3:30 p.m.: The Pre-Game show (92-9 The Game)

Atlanta United

My lineup has a wrinkle from the conventional wisdom. I think that Frank de Boer will make an adjustment to the Dallas attack. This will invert Franco Escobar, who will start in place of Brek Shea, thus allowing de Boer to use his more capable defending to counter the more potent side of the FC Dallas attack. This also allows him to keep Michael Parkhurst on the pitch as the right back.

With Eric Remedi out still recovering from the concussion, this means it is likely that we see Ezequiel Barco in the middle and a defensive holding pairing with Darlington Nagbe and Jeff Larentowicz. The attack will be led by Barco who will work with Julian Gressel who is flanking Josef Martínez on one side and Tito Villalba on the other.

Squad Details

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: None
• International duty: None
• Injury Report:
  • Out:
    • George Bello (groin injury)
    • Eric Remedi (concussion)
    • Mikey Ambrose (right meniscus injury)
    • Brandon Vazquez  (knee injury)
    • Kevin Kratz (calf injury)
  • Questionable:
    • None

Projected Starting XI
(4-3-3)

• GK: Brad Guzan
• Defenders (4): Michael Parkhurst, Miles Robinson, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Franco Escobar
• Midfielders (3): Jeff Larentowicz , Ezequiel Barco, Darlington Nagbe
• Forwards (3): Tito Villalba, Josef Martínez, Julian Gressel

FC Dallas

Squad Details

• Suspended: None
• Suspended after next caution: None
• International duty: None
• Injury Report:
  • Out:
    • Cristian Colman (ACL tear)
    • Francis Atuahene (pectoral muscle injury)
    • Thomas Roberts (concussion)
  • Questionable:
    • none

Projected Starting XI
(4-2-3-1)

• GK: Jesse Gonzalez
• Defenders (4): Reggie Cannon, Matt Hedges, Reto Ziegler, Ryan Hollingshead
• Midfielders (2): Michael Barrios, Carlos Gruezo
• Midfielders (3): Paxton Pomykal, Pablo Aranguiz , Edwin Cerrillo
• Forwards (1): Jesus Ferreira

Recent Meetings
FC Dallas 3 – Atlanta United 2 (July 04, 2018)