New York City FC vs. Colorado Rapids: Projected Lineups

After our key matchups breakdown, here are BSN Rapid’s projected starting XI for each team leading up to Saturday’s contest.

Projected Lineups:

Rapids 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Tim Howard

Defense (left to right): Marc Burch, Jared Watts, Axel Sjoberg, Eric Miller

Midfield: Sam Cronin, Michael Azira, Dillon Powers

Forwards: Shkelzen Gashi, Kevin Doyle, Marlon Hairston (Marco Pappa)

Mekeil Williams and Jermaine Jones are still listed as injured and won’t be playing. Eric Miller should take over for Williams, and Powers will remain the starting attacking mid until Jones returns. Bobby Burling could start in central defense instead of Jared Watts, for now, we’re guessing Watts stays against NYCFC. The only other big debate that must be going on with the Rapids coaching staff is with the right wing spot, with Hairston on a roll he’ll likely start as Pappa has also been a valuable late sub this season.

Sidenote: With his next yellow card, Sjoberg will have to miss his next league game.

NYCFC 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Josh Saunders

Defense (left to right): Ronald Matarrita, Jefferson Mena, Frederic Brillant, Jason Hernandez

Midfield: Andrea Pirlo, Andoni Iraola, Frank Lampard

Forwards: Thomas McNamara, Khiry Shelton, Jack Harrison

NYCFC has three starters suspended due to disciplinary reasons, including both their starting full-backs and team leader David Villa. It’s impossible to predict who will start in Villa’s place. The only player outside of the Spaniard who’s played central forward for NYCFC has been Patrick Mullins, who’s since been traded.

The likely replacement is Khiry Shelton, the Fort Carson born second overall pick of the 2015 draft. He’s fast and bursting with potential and has two goals and four assists on the season. He’s no Villa but he’ll still be dangerous.

Andrea Pirlo did play in Thursday’s all-star game, but was the first player to be subbed out after 32 minutes. He’s an almost guarantee to start.

Stay tuned to BSN Rapids for all the latest updates on game lineups and other Rapids news for Saturday’s game.