Venue:
Yankee Stadium
Time:
7:30 PM, 4/8
Watch on:
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Atlanta United Preview:
After a revival and their first regular season win against NYRB, Atlanta are going to Yankee Stadium and its comical pitch dimensions. The Five Stripes are still yet to lose a game with Thiago Almada on the pitch, and have four wins in six matches. Against RB, it was a scrappy win, but a win nonetheless. Ozzie Alonso remains out, and Andrew Gutman, who was seen in training this week, is questionable. Other than that, this squad is fully healthy.
Predicted XI:
NYCFC Preview
Recent Transfers
NYCFC made some big moves in the winter, notably adding attacking midfielder Santi Rodriguez, who was with NYCFC on loan in 2022, on a permanent deal, seeing defensive mid/center back James Sands return from loan, and fullbacks Braian Cufre and Mitja Ilenic. They also added goalkeeper Matt Freese, who backed up Andre Blake at Philly Union, MLS veteran center back Tony Alfaro, and striker Gabriel Segal.
Availability
Left back Kevin O’Toole is out with a lower body injury.
Players to Watch
Maxime Chanot
One of the better center backs in MLS in recent years and a pretty all around player, he could be an issue for Atlanta going forward.
James Sands
Quality deep-lying player, he was important in NYCFC’s 2021 championship run. He could maintain the tempo and influence the game a lot.
Keaton Parks
Another very influential, deep-lying player that could control the game. Keaton is one that I’ve rated very highly for a minute, and he’s a very good midfielder.
Justin Haak
21 years old, he was on that 2021 championship winning NYCFC side. A quality central midfielder, though he likely won’t start, he’s one to watch off the bench.
Santiago Rodriguez
14 g/a in 2022, a goal and an assist in under 400 minutes already, he’s a very important player for NYCFC. When they had no attacking mid, they struggled. He’s an important piece for this side.
Talles Magno
15 g/a last year and 2 g/a, he’s another very important piece. If he can be put in the best position for him to succeed, he’s an extremely dangerous player.
Gabriel Perreira
Leading NYCFC in g/a this season, had 11 g/a in 2022, he’s only 21 and is already one of the best wingers in MLS. Absolutely watch out for him, he’s very good.
Predicted XI:
Score Prediction:
2-1 NYCFC
Segal is not it going forward, but an attacking line with Magno, Perreira and Santi Rodriguez is dangerous. Especially in Yankee Stadium, I don’t see Atlanta doing much going forward, but I think the Five Stripes pull one away.
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