NYCFC predicted lineup vs Colorado Rapids - MLS
- NYCFC have won three straight matches in Major League Soccer action
- Key center-back Thiago Martins could miss the game due to a knock
- The Boys in Blue are riding a five-game unbeaten streak in MLS play
The red-hot NYCFC play host to the new-and-improved Colorado Rapids this Sunday at Citi Field, looking to extend their six-game unbeaten streak.
NYCFC have been on a tear in recent weeks as the Eastern Conference side has picked up three wins on the trot against New England Revolution, DC United and Charlotte FC. Nick Cushing's team has scored twice in each of the three victories while conceding just once to propel themselves to sixth place in the East with 14 points from 10 matches played.
The win unbeaten run started back when NYCFC held Inter Miami to a 1-1 draw on March 30 before the Boys in Blue earned another hard-fought point at home against Atlanta United one week later.
Cushing will have a couple of key decisions to make regarding his starting lineup with the likes of Thiago Martins and Talles Magno expected to miss out through injury, but that shouldn't steer him away from using his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
Here's how the Boys in Blue could lineup Sunday afternoon.
NYCFC predicted lineup vs Colorado Rapids ( 4-2-3-1 )
GK: Matt Freese - The underrated Freese continues to improve in his first season as the team's starting goalkeeper.
RB: Mitja Ilenic - The young Slovenia international is coming off his performance of the season against Charlotte and will hope for more of the same against the Rapids.
CB: Strahinja Tanasijevic - With Thiago Martin's status up in the air, Tanasijevic cold get a chance to start his third match of the season in the defense.
CB: Birk Risa - Risa has hardly put a foot wrong in his first full season in Major League Soccer.
LB: Kevin O'Toole - The former New York Red Bulls player is enjoying a quiet yet solid season at full-back for NYCFC.
DM: Keaton Parks - Parks will be eager to find the back of the net once more after scoring his first goal of the campaign last time out.
DM: James Sands - The 23-year-old helps keep things in check in the midfield alongside Parks.
RM: Julian Fernandez - The highly-rated youngster has been one of NYCFC's most exciting prospects to watch in 2024.
AM: Santaigo Rodriguez - He's cemented himself as one of the leagu's top creators with four goals and two assists recorded in 10 appearances.
LM: Agustin Ojeda - One of NYCFC's newest signings is still finding his way at his new club and has shown glimpses of promise here and there.
ST: Monsef Bakrar - Bakrar will hope to open his 2024 account with a goal against the Rapids to give his side a chance of collecting all three points.