NYCFC vs Nashville SC preview: A chance to gain momentum | OneFootball

After suffering two losses and one win in Phase One of the Leagues Cup, the Pigeons will look to regain confidence playing against domestic opposition, Nashville SC. With their elimination from the next round of the international tournament, NYCFC has something to prove at home. Nashville, however, is currently in third place in the Eastern Conference, with only five points separating them from the top of the table.

The Major League Soccer game is important as it would improve NYCFC’s chances of making it to the MLS Cup Playoffs. Currently, the Pigeons have two games in hand, and if they win both of them, they will firmly be able to compete until the end of the season.

The last time these two teams met was back in May for a 2-2 draw, courtesy of a late goal from Hannes Wolf. As such, the Boys in Blue know they can compete.

The Pigeons definitely face a tough challenge this weekend, but securing all three points will be crucial given the upcoming schedule. A mix of top-tier and mid-table teams in the next matches means that if NYCFC can really find its rhythm now, then the Bronx side will be in a strong position by the end of the season. So, let’s review the preview of NYCFC against Nashville SC.

NYCFC vs Nashville SC Preview

Date

NYCFC and Nashville FC will meet on Sunday, August 17.

Time

The fixture will begin at 5:00 PM ET.

Location

The game will take place at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY.

How to watch

Fans will be able to watch the match on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

Weather

There will certainly be some heat for the fans to endure with a high of 90 degrees, but the late afternoon game will see temperatures drop to 83 degrees by the end of the match. There will also be a slight chance of rain.

Injury report

Nico Cavallo (leg), Malachi Jones (leg), Thiago Martins (leg), and Keaton Parks (leg) are unavailable for Sunday's meeting.

Players to watch

Alonso Martínez is the one to watch for NYCFC. The striker is in terrific form with five goals in his last four games, including a hat trick against FC Dallas. His finishing will be crucial in the upcoming match as the Pigeons will look to him to get the ball in the back of the Nashville SC net.

On Nashville, Hany Mukhtar is the one to watch. He has had a season of contributions, leading the team in assists and coming in second for scoring. Hany Mukhtar will look to be the link for his attack, and if he gets going, it will be difficult to stop the team.

It would be a serious boost for the Boys in Blue to get a win here and give them confidence before a slate of crucial matches. With the draw in their last meeting, the prediction is that NYCFC will win it 2-1, with Martínez scoring first.