NYCFC vs Nashville SC preview: Is revenge on the menu?

On Saturday, New York City FC heads to Citi Field for the first time this season.  Considered one of the team’s home venues, the Pigeons enjoy playing in Queens, and supporters clearly prefer it as the secondary venue compared to that place in New Jersey.  It will also be the second of three games at home. 

Since NYCFC managed only a point each in their last two matches, the hunger for a win is immense.  Moreover, the Bronx/Queens side are welcoming Nashville SC to town.  As a reminder, they lost 2-0 in the season opener at Nashville.  Therefore, the players will not only want to win, but they will likely be seeking revenge from that opening day loss. 

Meanwhile, the goals are still lacking, and this is something that is needed in order to win.  Hopefully, that drive for revenge will also lead to more goals.  But Nashville can be a tough team to beat, so Nick Cushing will need to enact the ultimate plan for his team.

With that being said, let’s look at the preview of the NYCFC match against Nashville.

When is the match between New York City FC and Nashville SC?

The match will take place on Saturday, April 15, at 7:30 PM.

Where is the NYCFC game?

The game will take place in Queens, NY at Citi Field.

Where can fans watch the NYCFC game?

Fans can catch NYCFC on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.

What can New York City FC expect from Nashville SC?

New York City FC can expect another tough match against Nashville.  At this current time, the Pigeons are winless in all three fixtures against the opposing team, with two losses and a draw.  It is a small sample size, but it is already enough for supporters to worry. 

In addition, Nashville is 3-2-2, and is ahead of NYCFC in the Eastern Conference table by two points and two spots; the Music City side is in fifth, while the Pigeons sit in seventh.  However, if there is one thing that might work for the home side, then it is the fact that Nashville is struggling to score too.  They have scored in just three of their seven matches, and their two losses were 1-0 losses. 

Hence, it can be expected they will provide more of a defensive match.  Like NYCFC, they are both struggling to score, so whichever team scores first will likely get the win.  That does not mean there are not threatening players though.  Of course, Hany Mukhtar will likely be the biggest threat.  Last season’s MVP has only scored once so far, but has three assists on Nashville’s six goals.  So, he will be the predominant player that must be shut down, for he is a provider and scorer.

Which NYCFC player should supporters watch?

NYCFC supporters should watch Gabriel Pereira.  After starting the first matches, the young Brazilian has come off the bench in the last two fixtures.  As such, it is questionable what Cushing will decide for Saturday’s Starting XI. 

Even if Pereira does not start, it can be expected he will come on at some point.  Yet, against Atlanta United FC, he came off the bench and added to the attack with his production on the wings, and then he scored the tying goal.  That performance alone should be enough to get him the start once again. 

Still, supporters should pay attention to what he does on the right-wing.  Will be a provider?  Will he attempt another beautiful goal, and lead the Pigeons to a win?  Perhaps he will do both. 

He is someone to watch though, especially because his performances have not been consistent.  That is to be expected though, for he is continuing to grow as a player.  It would be nice to see Pereira and Talles Magno both on the wings too, and both should be given the freedom to lead the attack.

What is the prediction for New York City FC?

New York City FC is playing a home game, but the struggles in the scoring department were clear when they could only manage a point against Atlanta.  However, Nashville is also struggling to score, and despite the historical record between the two, the Pigeons still play well at home.

For that reason, NYCFC will barely manage a 1-0 win.  If they are rewarded a penalty kick opportunity, then it is easy to predict a 2-0 win as well.  Nevertheless, it would be a nice to surprise to see them open up the scoring gates, and serve Nashville the only available item on their menu: revenge.