New York City FC head coach Nick Cushing faces a squad selection dilemma for the trip to TQL Stadium to face FC Cincinnati on Matchday 5.
Keaton Parks is suspended after his 68th-minute red card in the win over Toronto FC, while six first-team players are absent on international duty. Both of Cushing’s preferred center-forwards, Mounsef Bakrar and Jovan Mijatović, are out. Absent, too, will be each of Cushing‘s preferred right-backs, Mitja Ilenič and Tayvon Gray.
How will Cushing line his team up, knowing he’s at a distinct disadvantage at two key positions? Will New York City stick with a defensive back four, or will the trip to Cincinnati bring with it a formation change? Will there be player debuts, or first starts handed to new signings?
Let's run through all the potential lineup and personnel scenarios and try to settle on the New York City FC Starting XI that will try to pull off the upset against Luciano Acosta and company.
