Andraz Struna will make his first start as NYCFC entertain Houston Dynamo at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.
David Villa returns to a starting line-up which shows three changes to the one which kicked off last week’s 1-1 draw with Colorado Rapids.
READ: Major Keys to NYCFC vs. Houston Dynamo
Elsewhere, Alex Ring is back in the XI after recovering from the injury he sustained during the international break and Villa leads the line with Jack Harrison, Maxi Moralez and Tommy McNamara in supporting roles.