When D.C. United takes on New York City FC on Sunday, the formation and most of the lineup will not be in doubt. Injuries, suspensions, and the good play of certain people can basically write Ben Olsen's lineup card for him. In this case, however, that isn't a bad thing.
With a supsension for Chris Rolfe and Fabian Espindola still recovering from injury, Alvaro Saborio and Luciano Acosta walk back into the lineup. Despite Saborio not looking much of a goal threat, he played fairly well, and Acosta won't have to worry about the midfield as he will be pushed further forward. In this case, Ben Olsen's 4-4-1-1 should free up Acosta to do what he does best.
Behind him it is likely to be Marcelo Sarvas, freshly back from suspension, and Nick DeLeon, freshly back from illness. If DeLeon can't go because he's still recovering, Jared Jeffrey is the likely name to replace him, allowing Sarvas to be on the front foot more often. Lamar Neagle and Patrick Nyarko will man the wings, as per usual.
The back line remains as steady as ever, with Sean Franklin, Steve Birnbaum, Bobby Boswell, and Taylor Kemp all trying to keep as few David Villa shots as possible from testing Travis Worra. With this lineup, the subs will be Tally Hall, Kofi Opare, Jared Jeffrey, Rob Vincent, Fabian Espindola, Luke Mishu, and Miguel Aguilar.
What do you want to see Ben Olsen do on Sunday?
