Gotham FC vs Kansas City Current preview: Seeking to clinch a playoff spot | OneFootball

After a frustrating 0-0 draw against Seattle Reign FC, NJ/NY Gotham FC has the chance to clinch a playoff spot this weekend when they visit the Kansas City Current. There are multiple clinching scenarios for the Bats this weekend, with the easiest one coming from just getting a win against Kansas City.

If the game ends in a draw, then Gotham FC will need both the Washington Spirit and Angel City FC to either win or draw against the North Carolina Courage and Houston Dash, respectively. Even with a loss, the NJ/NY side can still clinch with a Spirit draw and Angel City win or draw.

Nevertheless, it is vital to get back on track following two straight scoreless draws. While Gotham fans are probably getting flashbacks to the team's scoring struggles from earlier this season, they should relax for just a second. While they did not score in those last two matches, they were the better team in both matchups and won the xG battle by a total of 3.13-0.95. Yes, the scoreless streak may continue for another game, given the Current's stellar defensive record. But a strong game should see those worries dissipate, as long as the Bats do not lose.

This will be a major test for both teams, as this is the biggest fixture remaining on the schedule for the playoff contenders. In recent games, Kansas City has rested and rotated their starting lineup independent of their injury issues, but they may want to play as close to full strength as possible, given how well Gotham FC has been playing in recent weeks. And for the Bats, this will also be a huge test due to the Current's stellar recent form. So, here is a preview of this weekend's match.

Gotham FC vs Kansas City Current preview

Date

The game will be played on Saturday, October 11.

Time

The match is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM ET, 4:00 PM local.

How to watch

The fixture will be broadcast on Ion.

Location

The game will be played at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

Weather

Temperatures will be in the high 70s throughout the 90 minutes with wind speeds around 9 mph. Humidity will be around 45% throughout the match, and there is a 0% chance of rain. Sunset is scheduled for 6:45 PM local time.

Injury report

This is probably the most concerning injury report in recent weeks. Ann-Katrin Berger (knee), Tierna Davidson (SEI – knee), Geyse (knee), Gabi Portilho (thigh), Ella Stevens (knee), and Taryn Torres (SEI – knee) are all unavailable to play against the Current. In addition, Mak Whitham is away on international duty with the U-17 USWNT.

Players to watch

Part of the reason why Gotham has gone scoreless in their last two matches has been the fact that the club has managed Esther González's minutes, with her playing just 30 out of a possible 180 minutes. Expect the striker to not only start against KC, but also be potentially rejuvenated, given the lesser workload she has had this past week. Hence, she is someone to watch.

For Kansas City, Michelle Cooper has really blossomed in her third year in the league. In addition to scoring the game-winning goal last weekend against Angel City, she has already eclipsed her goal contribution total from last season in 11 fewer games and was rewarded with a contract extension back in June.

Prediction

This could be a really telling match for both sides and a fixture many neutrals will be tuning into to get an idea of just how big the gap between Kansas City and the rest of the league actually is. The prediction is a 1-1 draw with goals coming from González and Cooper. If Gotham FC plays a competitive 90 minutes, then they will probably feel very good about themselves, even if the result does not go their way.