Return to normalcy: D.C. United's lineup vs. the New York Red Bulls

The good thing about midweek games is that you can put them behind you more quickly than if you just had one game for that week. And so onwards we must move, into this Sunday's game against the New York/New Jersey MetroStars....err, the New York Red Bulls.

In order to deal with the robust attack that the New York Red Bulls have been fielding, D.C. United will need to have their best defensive effort of the year, even better than the game against the Seattle Sounders. Luckily, it seems that Emiliano Dudar will be back to marshal that line, which will give the team a fighting chance; no one expects a clean sheet against Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper, but holding them to one goal may be enough to eek out a win. After all, we all know that you cannot stop Maicon F. Santos; you can only hope to contain him.

After Wednesday's lineup, I expect Ben Olsen to return to the lineup that has given him the most success so far this year, barring injury. Since Bill Hamid did not get the start on Wednesday, I do not think that he will be thrown in against one of the best attacks in the league. If he were, I'm sure he could put a good performance out there, but I don't think it will happen.

The one change from this lineup that I could see happening is Chris Pontius fitting in somewhere, either in Hamdi Salihi's spot or in Nick DeLeon's spot if the young man is gassed. However, having his speed off the bench is a great asset in the 60th or 70th minute, so I think that we will see him as the super sub yet again. Getting Hamdi Salihi going against a porous Metro defense would be a great way for him to endear himself to United fans.

As for the subs, I would guess they would be Bill Hamid, Stephen King, Chris Korb, Chris Pontius, Andy Najar, Josh Wolff, and Branko Boskovic. Do you all like the return to normalcy?

Oh, and just remember: Nobody likes New York. Nobody.