A series of rotations from Domenéc Torrent were expected as NYCFC make the 2 hour road trip to face Philadelphia Union.
However, the squad is set up with an attacking mindset as David Villa starts at striker, as the City Captain looks to find the net for the second consecutive game since returning from injury.
Jo Inge Berget returns to the starting eleven, and accompanies Villa as an attacking option for The Blues. His counterpart on the wings is MLS Team of The Week honoree Ismael Tajouri-Shradi. After providing New York with a brace last week against Toronto, surely the pacey left-footed winger will ask questions of the Philadelphia defense.
Maxi Moralez remains a fixture at the advanced role in the midfield. Moralez is supported by All-Star Alex Ring and Ebenezer Ofori.
Suring up the back are Anton Tinnerholm, Ben Sweat, Alex Callens, and Maxime Chanot.
In goal sees Sean Johnson make his return after missing the last two weeks with injury. Johnson looks to seal his fifth shut out in his last six games and push The Blues into better position in a very tight race for the Supporters Shield.
The match kicks off at 7PM from Talen Energy Stadium in Philadelphia, and will be live on YES! Network, WADO 1280 or NYCFC.com/Radio for audio coverage.
NYCFC XI: Johnson, Tinnerholm, Chanot, Callens, Sweat, Ring, Ofori, Moralez, Berget, Tajouri-Shradi, Villa (C)
Subs: Stuver, Ibeagha, Matarrita, McNamara, Amagat, Wallace, Medina
