I think the starting lineup this week against NYCFC will be fairly easy to predict because of the lack of available players.
Midfielder Yamil Asad is out for one game after the MLS disciplinary committee suspended him for violent conduct that happened in last week’s 3-1 loss to D.C. United.
His absence, combined with the injury to winger Jacob Peterson and Andrew Carleton being away with the U.S. Under-17 national teams, leaves the team thin on the flanks.
Therefore, I’m predicting Miguel Almiron will shift from the middle, where he is most effective, to the left. Julian Gressel, who seems to have struggled two of the past three weeks, will move into the attacking midfield role, with Carlos Carmona and Jeff Larentowicz, back from his one-week injury, starting in the holding midfielder roles.
The rest of the lineup will remain the same as it typically has.
Oh, and just because Josef Martinez and Peterson have returned to training doesn’t mean you will see them this week, or even next week. They may, but it’s not something to anticipate.
About the Author
