Patrick Vieira doubles down on his lineup that recently faced Columbus Crew SC, making no changes to the starting XI from nine days ago.
READ: Major Keys: City in Playoffs State of Mind
Sean Johnson's protection will once again include Frederic Brillant and Alexander Callens in the center, flanked by fullbacks Ethan White and Ben Sweat.
In the midfield, Alexander Ring will get the nod as the deepest of a group that also features Maxi Moralez and Yangel Herrera. Last time out against the Crew, Herrera completed a game-high 89% of his passes.
READ: Vieira Wary of Columbus' Momentum
In the attack, Rodney Wallace and Jack Harrison will start opposite each other on the flanks. David Villa, who captains NYCFC in the first leg of this Eastern Conference Semifinal match-up, will start in at center forward. His two goals against Columbus on October 22nd brought him to 22 goals in the regular season, good for second-highest in the league.
Villa's 22 goals also make him the highest scorer still in contention for the MLS Cup trophy.
NYCFC XI: Johnson; White, Brillant, Callens, Sweat; Ring, Herrera, Moralez; Harrison, Wallace, Villa (C)
Substitutes: Johansen, Struna, Lopez, Matarrita, Lewis, Okoli, McNamara
Key Stats
- Alexander Ring completed a game-high 88 passes in NYCFC's last match against Columbus.
- Frederic Brillant won a game-high four aerial duels in that match, as well.
- Match-ups between Columbus and NYCFC have produced an average of over four goals per game since 2015.
- With tonight's start, Alexander Callens continues his streak of playing every single minute for NYCFC this season.
- After a penalty shootout win over Atlanta United in the knockout round, Columbus come into this match unbeaten in 11 straight matches.
- Jack Harrison's 74% pass completion rate against Columbus on October 22nd was the most of any attacker in that match.
- With Yangel Herrera in the lineup, NYCFC have only lost twice all season. (9W-3D)
