NYCFC vs Atlanta United FC preview: The start of the homestand

Everyone knows how vital the next month is for New York City FC.  The team will begin a five-game homestand after earning just four points in their first six matches.  This period must be full of success if the Pigeons want a chance to compete for a playoff spot for the rest of the season.  Moreover, the pressure is at its highest for Nick Cushing.  Failure is not an option.

That is why NYCFC has to find a way to beat Atlanta United FC when they come to New York this weekend.  The team from the state known for peaches currently sits in sixth place.  Their average start likely would have been welcomed by the Pigeons, so this first game of the homestand will give the team a chance to reverse the misfortunes.

Atlanta has plenty of talent on their team, but NYCFC has good news with the fact they will not have to deal with Giorgos Giakoumakis.  The striker has five goals and an assist in the young season, so it reduces some of their attacking threat.  The Boys in Blue will still have to deal with Thiago Almada though, who is one of the best midfielders in Major League Soccer.

The start of the match will begin sooner rather than later.  Here is a preview of the fixture between NYCFC and Atlanta United.

Date

NYCFC and Atlanta United will play each other on Saturday, April 6.

Time

The game is at 7:30 PM ET.

Location

The fixture will be at Citi Field in Flushing in Queens, NY. 

How to watch

Fans can watch the game on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.

Weather

Saturday evening will be a decent night for a match, but chilly.  At kickoff, it will be mostly cloudy and around 49 degrees.

Injury report

Maxi Moralez (right knee) and Talles Magno (left knee) continue to be out with their injuries.  However, Jovan Mijatović also joins the list again, but he is described as being “out”, with no explanation given.  Hopefully, everything is okay.

Players to watch

NYCFC fans should watch Matt Freese.  The goalkeeper has been a bright light in a dark season thus far, putting on a show against Inter Miami CF last week.  Will he be able to do it again?  This is something to watch.

Then, they should watch Thiago Almada on the Five Stripes.  The midfielder is one of the best in MLS.  He has only one goal this season but is a provider with the ball.  The Pigeons need to focus on shutting him down to help reduce the chance of Atlanta scoring.

Prediction

Since NYCFC is back at home, and since they did win their last home match, it is time to be positive again.  It is predicted that NYCFC will win 2-0.  Freese will continue to be great in goal, and the fan support will lead the team to a win.