NYCFC vs Chicago Fire FC preview: Looking for some goals and three points

This weekend, New York City FC will take on Chicago Fire FC for the first time this season.  The Fire are again having a not-so-great year, for they are in 13th place in the Eastern Conference.  With road games against Atlanta United FC and Orlando City SC coming up, it is vital for the Pigeons to secure three points in Illinois.

Therefore, the defense needs to be at their very best.  In the Austin FC loss, NYCFC allowed Gyasi Zardes to score his first two goals of the season.  The forward was struggling until he faced the Bronx side.  Hence, they cannot allow that to happen against Chicago.  The Fire has their striker, Hugo Cuypers, who has nine goals to his name.  Yes, they need to keep him from finding the back of the net.  However, they need to keep everyone else out as well.

This would also be a good fixture to let Christian McFarlane get the start.  He has been training all week while Kevin O’Toole was trying to get fit in time for the match.  Unfortunately, the regular starter will not be available.  With that known, the younger player should get some minutes.  Justin Haak did a decent job last weekend, but he is not a left-back.  Nick Cushing can make the switch around the 60th minute if he wants to see more of Haak.  If McFarlane is having a superb match, then he should stay on the pitch.

When all is said and done, NYCFC must score to leave with three points.  Here is a preview of the next road game against Chicago Fire FC.

Date

NYCFC and Chicago Fire FC will play each other on Saturday, July 13.

Time

The fixture is at 8:30 PM ET.                  

Location 

The match will occur at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL.

How to watch

Supporters can watch the game on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.  This will be available for free.

Weather

The weather will not be too bad on Saturday.  It will be about 82 degrees and partly cloudy.  There is a slight chance of storms, so hopefully the Pigeons will not have to endure a delay like they did in Austin. The biggest threat will be a few hours before the match though.

Injury report

Four players are not available for the game against Chicago: Tayvon Gray (left leg), Malachi Jones (right leg), Maxi Moralez (right leg), and Kevin O’Toole (right leg).

Players to watch

NYCFC supporters should watch Birk Risa.  The center-back received a knock last week against CF Montréal but is ready to go for Saturday.  Will he start though?  Strahinja Tanasijević has not proven he is worthy of acting as the third center-back, sometimes struggling in his appearances.  Fans would prefer for Risa to start, for he has done well since he came in last summer.  Regardless of how many minutes he has played, everyone should pay attention to see whether the knock impacts his game.

In addition, supporters should watch Cuypers on Chicago.  As mentioned, he leads the team with nine goals, so he is the most threatening.  He is also one of the more talented players on the team, acting as a bit of sunlight in a poor season.

Prediction

This is a match NYCFC can win, so the prediction is that the team will win, 2-1. A late goal will seal the deal and break the hearts of Chicago fans.