Preview of the playoff rematch between NYCFC and the Philadelphia Union

After starting the season with a 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy, New York City FC will continue the start of the season with a game against the Philadelphia Union.  This will be another road fixture, and also a rematch of the MLS Cup Playoffs.  Fans will recall that the Bronx side won in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, shocking the Supporters’ Shield winners.

Now, it is a new season, and like every fixture, anything can happen.  While Alonso Martínez missed the postseason match, the Boys in Blue will have a slightly different defense since Justin Haak left NYCFC during the offseason.  Most of the defense is the same, with Matt Freese in goal, Kevin O’Toole at left-back, Tayvon Gray at right-back, and Thiago Martins and Raul Gustavo as the center-backs.  O’Toole often moved into the defensive midfield, and Gustavo moved into the left side. But then, the defensive midfielders in the match were Haak and Jonathan Shore, for Aiden O’Neill also missed that match, and Haak also moved into the backline.

This time, O’Neill and then newcomer Kai Trewin should be in the defensive midfield.  As such, there is a question of whether the Pigeons can get a similar result.  It is questionable, and the team is still a little rusty.

Nevertheless, NYCFC must strive for a win.  Here is a preview of the match against the Philadelphia Union

NYCFC vs Philadelphia Union preview  

Date

NYCFC and the Union will face one another on Sunday, March 1.

Time

The games will be at 4:30 PM ET.

Location

The match will be at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.

How to watch

As a reminder, the MLS Season Pass no longer exists.  All MLS games can be seen on Apple TV.

Weather

When the game begins, it will be cloudy, with the clouds clearing over the next few hours.  It will be a little damp in the air, for there is supposed to be rain earlier.  While it will be 43 degrees, it will likely feel a little cooler.  There is still a slight chance of rain, but it is unlikely.

Injury report

Malachi Jones (leg), Alonso Martínez (leg), and Andrés Perea (leg) are all out for the fixture against the Union.

Players to watch

NYCFC fans should watch Nicolás Fernández Mercau.  The Argentine has been incredible since he joined the team last summer, and it will be interesting to see whether he starts as a striker again or as a right-winger.  Plus, the Boys in Blue will need his help in finding the back of the net.  How he plays might determine the outcome of the playoff rematch.

Then, fans should also pay attention to Andre Blake.  The goalkeeper continues to be one of the best goalkeepers in Major League Soccer, and the players from the Bronx will have to try to put the ball past him during the offensive struggles.  Blake can be the difference between them leaving with even a point or none.

Prediction

Maybe the Pigeons will get lucky, and some of the main starters for Philadelphia will not start due to the CONCACAF Champions Cup.  However, the team does not have a match midweek, so that is probably unlikely.  So, the prediction is that NYCFC will struggle a little in at least one half, and the game will end with the Union winning 2-0.  It is not ideal, but based on the current concerns, it makes sense.