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MLS: Every team’s best starting XI for 2019

By Joshua Bowers

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United players celebrate with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United players celebrate with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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HARRISON, NJ – MAY 26: Philadelphia Union forward Fafa Picault (9) during the second half of the Game between the New York Red Bulls and the Philadelphia Union on May 26, 2018, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HARRISON, NJ – MAY 26: Philadelphia Union forward Fafa Picault (9) during the second half of the Game between the New York Red Bulls and the Philadelphia Union on May 26, 2018, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Union

4-2-3-1

GK Andre Blake

RB Olivier Mbaizo

CB Mark McKenzie

CB Auston Trusty

LB Kai Wagner

CM Alejandro Bedoya

CM Haris Medunjanin

CAM Marco Fabian

RW Sergio Santos

LW Fafa Picault

ST Cory Burke

I struggled choosing between a 4-2-3-1 and the 4-4-2 diamond Philadelphia will play this year. In choosing a 4-2-3-1, I do worry if Bedoya and Medunjanin are ideal fits for a double pivot. However, I ultimately decided it was more important to get Picault in the line-up than Derrick Jones.

The backline is super young and they could get even younger if they go with Matt Real at left-back instead of newcomer Kai Wagner. Mbaizo over Gaddis may be a little controversial. Gaddis has been a borderline-starter for a long time. However, I would rather turn to the upside of Mbaizo.

I have a lot of pace on the wings with Picault playing opposite of Sergio Santos. Santos could play on the wing or up top. Now that Sapong is traded to Chicago, Cory Burke is the top target forward.

Any potential lineup drawn up for Philadelphia this year begins by placing Marco Fabian in a true number 10 position. This team will go as far as he can carry them.

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