New York City vs DC United preview
In their third game of the current five-game homestand, New York City FC is set to return to Citi Field on Saturday for an MLS clash against DC United. They secured a 2-0 victory over the New England Revolution last time around with a pair of second-half goals, while DC United suffered a 3-2 defeat to Orlando City after conceding two late goals.
The Pigeons managed to clinch their second MLS victory of the season with remarkable saves from goalkeeper Matt Freese and two impressive goals. With this win, Nick Cushing’s squad secured their first victory of the year after scoring the opening goal, setting the stage for a potential consecutive home win on Saturday.
Currently, The Pigeons trails the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference by just two points, having secured at least one point in their last three league matches and remaining undefeated in their last 11 regular-season home games against conference opponents.
On the other hand, the Black-and-Red has garnered at least one point in their last three matches played at Citi Field in this competition, with two victories. Despite their efforts, New York City FC has accumulated only eight points after eight domestic fixtures this year, which is four points fewer than at the same stage last season.
Saturday’s match will mark the first time New York City FC hosts DC United at Citi Field, with NYCFC emerging victorious in four of their last five home encounters against them in this competition.
New York City vs DC United team news
New York City FC
Talles Magno has resumed training with NYCFC although he was not included in the team sheet for last weekend’s match but that could change going forward. Meanwhile, Maxi Moralez continues to be sidelined due to a right knee injury. However, Jovan Mijatovic resolved his visa issues earlier this week, participated in full training on Thursday, and will be eligible to play this weekend.
In their victory against the Revs, Agustin Ojeda scored his first MLS goal, adding to the team’s success. Additionally, Julian Fernandez secured the three points with a remarkable strike in stoppage time, marking his first goal of the season.
DC United
Aaron Herrera and Mateusz Klich are set to miss the upcoming match for DC due to yellow card accumulation. Tyler Miller is still recovering from shoulder surgery, and Garrison Tubbs, although on the bench last week, did not play due to a previous thigh injury. Theodore Ku-DiPietro is dealing with a hip problem, while Steve Birnbaum missed the previous encounter due to a knee issue.
Additionally, Russell Canouse was unavailable, although not due to injury according to the MLS website. In their previous match, Christian Benteke scored early on against Orlando City, marking his sixth goal of the campaign. Meanwhile, Gabriel Pirani scored his first goal of the season, albeit in a losing effort.
New York City vs DC United predicted lineups
New York City
Manager Nick Cushing does have a few injury concerns but even then the form of Agustin Ojeda and James Sands should help his cause going forward.
Predicted XI: Matt Freese; Mitja Ilenic, Thiago Martins, Birk Risa, Kevin O’Toole; Keaton Parks, James Sands; Hannes Wolf, Santiago Rodriguez, Agustin Ojeda; Monsef Bakrar
DC United
Much like his counterpart Cushing, Troy Lesene also has a few injury issues going into the clash but he does have something close to his best possible team available.
Predicted XI: Alex Bono; Christopher McVey, Lucas Bartlett, Conner Antley; Pedro Santos, Jackson Hopkins, Martin Rodriguez, Cristian Dajome; Jared Stroud, Christian Benteke, Kristian Fletcher
New York City vs DC United head-to-head
Played: 21; New York City FC: 11, DC United: 7, Draws: 3
Last five games:
DC United 2-0 New York City FC (MLS)
New York City FC 3-2 DC United (MLS)
New York City FC 1-2 DC United (MLS)
DC United 0-2 New York City FC (MLS)
New York City FC 6-0 DC United (MLS)
New York City vs DC United prediction
New York City FC has maintained a strong home record over the past year, although their performance in 2024 could have been more consistent. With a talented squad, they’ll be looking to make adjustments before this upcoming match.
DC United has experienced fluctuations in form lately and will be aiming for a series of favorable results to climb up the league standings. Both teams are facing their own challenges currently, so a draw could be on the cards for this fixture.
Prediction: 1-1
New York City vs DC United betting tips
Betting Tips:
Both teams to score: Yes
Over 2.75 goals: Yes
Odds:
New York City: 2.00
Draw: 3.60
D.C United: 3.80
New York City vs DC United timings and telecast
- Citi Field – 20th April – 11:30 PM GMT
- India: MLS Season Pass
- United Kingdom: MLS Season Pass
- US: Apple TV.
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