By Braden Chalker
NYCFC square off against the streaking Toronto FC this weekend at BMO Field, looking to pick up three points against an Eastern Conference foe in the hunt for a playoff spot.
The Blues fell 3-1 last time out to Colorado Rapids at their home ground and ended a three-match winning streak in Major League Soccer action. Nick Cushing's side were unbeaten in five league matches overall with two draws before their consecutive wins over New England Revolution, DC United and Charlotte FC.
NYCFC will want to put last weekend's match behind them, but they might find it difficult to pick up three points against the new-and-improved Toronto under new head coach John Herdman. While NYCFC sit in a postseason spot in seventh place in the East with 14 points, Toronto have climbed to third place in the division with 19 points after three straight victories over the Revs, Orlando City and FC Dallas.
Cushing hasn't shown any previous signs of changing from his 4-2-3-1 setup, and he'll essentially have no excuses heading into this one with no new injuries to report inside the NYCFC camp.
Here's how the Boys in Blue could lineup for their Saturday night clash vs Toronto.
NYCFC predicted lineup vs Toronto FC ( 4-2-3-1 )
GK: Matt Freese - The 25-year-old starts in between the sticks for the Eastern Conference side.
RB: Mitja Ilenic - Ilenic saw his night end before the hour mark last week via substitution but that means he should be ready to go fro the jump on Saturday.
CB: Thiago Martins - One of the most important figures for NYCFC marshals the backline and is closing in on 80 appearances since joining in February 2022.
CB: Birk Risa - Another start is on the cards for the former Norway youth international alongside club captain Martins.
LB: Kevin O'Toole - The versatile O'Toole hopes to add in his three goal involvements thus far in league play while not compromising his defensive duties.
DM: James Sands - The young midfielder helps keep things in check in the middle of the park beside Parks.
DM: Keaton Parks - Even though he didn't play the full 90 vs Colorado, Parks' experience will be required if NYCFC are to get anything out of Saturday night's match.
RM: Julian Fernandez - Fernandez returns to the lineup after coming off the bench last time out, aiming to add his third goal of the season.
AM: Santiago Rodriguez - One of MLS' most exciting midfielders has been in exceptional form in the 2024 campaign.
LM: Agustin Ojeda - The 19-year-old wide player will hope to cause some chaos vs a TFC defense that's conceded 14 goals this term.
ST: Monsef Bakrar - NYC's No. 9 gets the nod up front once again, eager to be back among the goals against Toronto.
This article was originally published on 90min.com as NYCFC predicted lineup vs Toronto FC - MLS .
