By Braden Chalker
NYCFC hit the road for a midweek contest against Eastern Conference rivals Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park.
NYCFC came away from the drama-filled contest against Toronto FC last weekend with all three points that included a post-match scuffle between the two teams. However, all that matters to the Boys in Blue is that they righted the ship after falling short vs Colorado Rapids the week before.
Head coach Nick Cushing more than likely won't abandon his 4-2-3-1 setup as it's helped NYC gain a little bit of stability after their rocky start to the campaign. Still, Cushing might look to make a handful of changes after his side played just a few days prior in Toronto.
Here's how the Boys in Blue could take the pitch vs the Union.
NYCFC predicted lineup vs Philadelphia Union ( 4-2-3-1 )
GK: Matt Freese - The American shot-stopper is coming off arguably his strongest performance of the season. His nine saves vs Toronto were crucial in the team going on to take all three points vs the Canadian outfit.
RB: Mitja Ilenic - After Tayvon Gray featured from the jump last time out, Ilenic gets the starting nod against the Union.
CB: Thiago Martins - NYCFC will rely on their best defender and captain in their bid to collect three more important points.
CB: Strahinja Tanasijevic - Cushing could opt to give Birk Risa a rest and hand Tanasijevic his third start of the season.
LB: Kevin O'Toole - The former New York Red Bulls 2 player keeps his place in the team and won't get a rest due to the Blues not having any other natural left-backs in the squad.
DM: Keaton Parks - The 26-year-old got the chance to catch his breath last week after coming on in the second half. His experience and leadership will be needed if NYCFC are to come away with a victory vs a tough Philadelphia midfield.
DM: James Sands - Sands will have to walk a tight rope as he's one yellow card away from a one-game suspension in 11 matches played.
RM: Julian Fernandez - The former Velez Sarsfield player gets in on the action after watching from the bench over the weekend. Even though Hannes Wolf tallied two assists vs Toronto, Cushing might look to rotate his attack to offset fatigue and any potential injuries.
AM: Santiago Rodriguez - NYCFC can't function at the highest level possible without their star No. 10.
LM: Agustin Ojeda - Ojeda makes a return to the mix after being substituted off the bench vs TFC.
ST: Alonso Martinez - The winger-turned-striker gets the nod up front once again, looking to add to his two goals scored in 2024.
This article was originally published on 90min.com as NYCFC predicted lineup vs Philadelphia Union - MLS .
