NYCFC vs Philadelphia Union preview: Can the Pigeons get the season sweep?

New York City FC had a poor run in the Leagues Cup after losing two of their games, including the poor loss to Club Necaxa. However, the focus should be on Major League Soccer, and that is what the team will do when they welcome the Philadelphia Union to the Big Apple.

Tayvon Gray was the hero in the opposite fixture when the Pigeons shocked the Union on the road, scoring a late goal. And it has not been an easy year for the visitors either, for they have a 4-10-4 record. But it must be noted that the team has won three of their four games since resuming the MLS season. As such, it will not be a walk in the park for the Boys in Blue, and nor should that be the expectation.

The problem, though, is that the injury list is still too long. Multiple starters will be out, and due to yellow card accumulation, NYCFC will also be without Nicolás Fernández Mercau. The Argentine has been the best player this season and has been critical to why they are even still in a playoff spot. Injuries and silly mistakes have hampered the season.

Alas, there is still a match to play. Here is a preview of NYCFC’s game with the Philadelphia Union.

NYCFC vs Philadelphia Union preview

Date

NYCFC and the Union will play on Sunday, August 16.

Time

The game will start at 6:00 PM.

Location

The match will be in the Bronx, NY at Yankee Stadium.

How to watch

Supporters can watch the fixture on Apple TV.

Weather

At first, rain was expected in the forecast to begin earlier in the afternoon. Now, it should start at some point during the game. It will be 76 degrees with winds around 13 mph. The humidity will be about 65%.

Injury report

Drew Baiera (leg), Arnau Farnós (leg), Alonso Martínez (leg), Thiago Martins (leg), Maxi Moralez (leg), Aiden O’Neill (leg), Kai Trewin (leg), and Hannes Wolf (leg) are not available for the fixture. In addition, Fernández Mercau is out due to yellow card accumulation.

Players to watch

NYCFC supporters should watch Keaton Parks. The midfielder made his first start back from injury on Thursday and scored for the Pigeons. His ability to play offensively and defensively makes him a threat to Philadelphia. Having him start would be a big plus for the team.

Milan Iloski has been having an incredible season despite the Union’s struggles. His ten goals make him another player to watch, and it will be interesting to see whether he can get one in the Bronx.

Prediction

Philadelphia’s recent form makes the team more threatening. That is why it is predicted that NYCFC will share the points in a 1-1 draw. Matt Freese will make a lot of saves to keep the Pigeons in the match, and Talles Magno will score a second-half goal.

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