NYCFC vs Atlanta United preview: Short-handed in a major road game

After New York City FC ended their winless streak with a win against Real Salt Lake, the Pigeons came back home to lose again, unfortunately to the New York Red Bulls. Therefore, their next match against Atlanta United FC has become a major road game. Not only are three points critical, but the fact that they could beat the 14th-place side on paper means winning is the only option.

However, while the injury list is not as bad as it was when the team returned from the World Cup break, NYCFC will be without multiple players due to international duty. Four players, including Matt Freese and Aiden O’Neill, are away with their national teams, as Major League Soccer is still playing in the first week of a two-week international break.

This makes the task of winning even harder. Atlanta will also be without players due to international duty, but they will still have more players available. Whether the Boys in Blue can steal any points will be a big question mark.

Still, a game must be played. Here is a preview of the upcoming battle between NYCFC and Atlanta United.

NYCFC vs Atlanta United FC preview

Date

NYCFC and Atlanta will battle it out on Saturday, September 26.

Time

The match will start at around 7:30 PM ET.

Location

The fixture will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

How to watch

As always, the game can be seen on Apple TV.

Weather

Unlike the awful weather in New York City, it will be a nice night in Atlanta. Fans should expect the roof to remain open since it will be around 76 degrees and partly cloudy. There is no chance of rain. Plus, the dew point will be at 50, and the humidity will be below 50%. This should make the air feel drier compared to some matches played down south.

Injury report

The injury report has not changed. Drew Baiera (leg), Arnau Farnós (leg), Talles Magno (leg), Maxi Moralez (leg), Keaton Parks (leg), and Kai Trewin (leg) are out.

In addition, four players are not available due to international duty: Matt Freese, Tayvon Gray, Mitja Ilenič, and Aiden O’Neill.

Players to watch

NYCFC’s newest signing, Matt Miazga, is the player to watch. It would be incredible if he could hit the ground running. However, that is unlikely to happen due to his struggles in 2026. It will be interesting to see whether he starts next to Thiago Martins, as O’Neill is out on international duty, and Parks is still not healthy. Hence, it would make sense for James Sands to be in the midfield.

Fans should also watch Breel Embolo on Atlanta. The team’s newest striker has scored once already, and it would not be shocking if he put a ball past the Pigeons. After all, it has been that type of season. But the 29-year-old Swiss star, who is missing international duty for not-so-great reasons, is someone who could easily still be playing across the pond. He will likely be a big threat during the match.

Prediction

The prediction will be a little positive and negative, as it is believed the teams will share the points. NYCFC and Atlanta will finish with a 1-1 draw, with both sides playing an okay game. Martins or Sands will score via a header on a corner kick, while Embolo will tie the match late.

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