NYCFC vs CF Montréal preview: Start of the five games at home

New York City FC supporters are not very happy at the moment.  Maxime Chanot is leaving the club, the team lost the first two games in the return to Major League Soccer play, and they continue to sit in 13th place in the Eastern Conference.  The dark hole of 2023 keeps on getting darker and deeper. 

As such, NYCFC is desperately in need of a win.  They will try to achieve this when CF Montréal comes to town for a mid-week game.  The Canadian team was the only team the Pigeons beat on the road.  Therefore, there might be some positivity and hope that the three points are achievable. It would also be helpful to start the five-game homestand with a win. 

Yet, a dark cloud hangs over the city. Chanot will be leaving the team, which does not make sense based on his love and passion for the club.  The veteran was thought to finish his contract and either sign a new one at the end of 2024 or retire.  Many felt he would be a future coach with the team, so suspicions about why he was leaving plagued X, formerly known as Twitter.

Nonetheless, there is a match to preview.  Here is a look at the upcoming game between NYCFC and Montréal.

When is the match between New York City FC and CF Montréal?

The match will take place on Wednesday, August 30 at 7:30 PM.

Where is the NYCFC game?                                                               

The game will take place in the Bronx, NY at Yankee Stadium.

Where can fans watch the NYCFC game?

Fans can catch NYCFC on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.  This game will be available for free.

What can New York City FC expect from CF Montréal?

New York City FC can expect a Montréal team similar to when they met in July.  The visitors did not make it out of the Leagues Cup group round but won their first two MLS games after the break.  As a result, the team sits in eighth place and has a two-game winning streak. 

Meanwhile, Montréal continues to struggle with scoring.  However, they have done better compared to the Pigeons.  Since their last battle, the Canadian side has scored six goals in MLS, in which they won each match where at least one goal was scored.  On the other hand, NYCFC has scored merely three.    

That is why Montréal’s offense must be shut down.  The Bronx side already struggles with finding the back of the net, so one can assume they need to grab a clean sheet to have success on the night.   

Which NYCFC player should supporters watch?

Supporters should watch Tayvon Gray in the upcoming fixture.  The defender will likely start either as a center-back or the right-back.  It depends on which lineup Nick Cushing puts out.  With Chanot’s departure, Gray would be the other option when three center-backs are used. 

While the Pigeons lost the last two games, Gray has been strong defensively.  He made quite a few plays that stopped attackers in their tracks.  He is not the strongest player to go forward as a right-back.  Still, his defending would be a nightmare for Montréal’s attackers. 

What is the prediction for New York City FC?

It is difficult to be positive about New York City FC.  Thankfully, the great record against Montréal and the July win make it seem like they can grab all three points.

That is why the prediction is that NYCFC will win, 2-0.  It will not be pretty, and the crowd support will be a must to find that win.  It will not be surprising if there are protests about the front office and management.  That is why fans must be loud in their support for the players.

Wednesday will be an intriguing fixture to view.  Supporters will be loud with their infuriation toward the club.  At the same time, they might get an entertaining match to watch.  At least, that is the hope.  Only time will tell whether New York City FC can find success.