NYCFC vs Nashville SC preview: Trying to rebound on the road… again

New York City FC will try again to rebound on the road after they fell 2-0 to the Los Angeles Galaxy midweek.  The second straight loss came after the team had a five-game winning streak.  It will be a difficult task, but they will be playing Nashville SC, who is struggling a little this season.

The team from Tennessee is in eighth place with 23 points.  Only six points separate the side with NYCFC, who is in fourth place with 29.  This could be the time when the Bronx side could beat them on the road.  As fans know, they won in Toronto and Philadelphia, so they know it is possible.  The question at hand is this: was the successful period representative of what the team will continue to do in 2024?  Or was it a one-off, and the beginning of the season represented what the Pigeons are like?

Ideally, the first option will be the answer. NYCFC has the talent to compete with everyone in Major League Soccer.  They have to limit their mistakes and score.  They also need to be consistent.  This was a major issue last season and even when Nick Cushing took over after Ronny Deila left.

So, will Saturday end with a win?  Here is a preview of NYCFC’s match against Nashville SC.

Date

NYCFC and Nashville SC will play each other on Saturday, June 22.

Time

The game is at 8:30 PM ET.                  

Location

The fixture will take place at Geodis Park in Nashville, TN.

How to watch

Supporters can watch the match on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.

Weather

It is going to be very hot when the match begins.  It will be around 88 degrees, but it will feel like it is in the 90s.  It will be partly cloudy with no rain in the forecast.

Injury report

There are no players on the injury report for the first time in forever. Everyone is available to play on Saturday.

Players to watch

NYCFC fans should watch Maxi Moralez.  It remains unlikely that he will start.  It would not be surprising for the midfielder to come on and play at least 30 minutes.  He constantly makes everyone better and creates opportunities to score when he is on the pitch.  Everyone should pay attention to what he does in Nashville and whether he can contribute to a goal.

The fans should also watch Hany Mukhtar on Nashville SC.  The midfielder is still one of the best players on the team despite the results.  He has four goals and five assists, making him a threat.  The Pigeons need to ensure he has little space to do anything.

Prediction

This is a game that NYCFC can win on the road.  So, the prediction is that they will win, 2-1.  A late goal from a substitute will seal the winner.  Plus, the defense will be much better compared to the LA Galaxy fixture.