Match Preview: NYCFC vs DCU

Team News

No new team news, so I’m expecting the same team as last weeks victory over Atlanta United. It’ll be interesting to see how much further along Jara and Rodriguez have come on and whether their chemistry with the team is any better. Jara will need to be a bit more solid at the back and Rodriguez needs to make sure he will be finishing better too.

Key Stats

H2H wise, it’s very even. In the 9 matches played between each other, there has been 4 victories each and 1 draw. An average of 3.44 goals per game too. So this tie will throw up some goals that’s for sure. There has not been a 0-0 draw or a 1-0 win yet. DCU won the 1st ever match between the two sides 2-1 but it certainly has been punch for punch. DCU however are currently unbeaten in the last 3 ties between the two.

Key Players

As always the key players for DC are Rooney, Acosta and Arriola. After last weeks performance, Arriola’s stock has gone through the roof and if NYCFC are to get anything from the game, they will be keeping an eye on him. Hamid will be aiming to keep successive shutouts and will be shouting at his defence if they step out of line.

For NYCFC a key player for them will be the pitch. I’m amazed that they don’t have a soccer specific stadium and the fact that it’s a baseball ground, it always seems bizarre when watching games there. On the pitch they’ll be looking to Mitrita to make an impact. The €8mil signing is the 3rd DP of NYCFC. It is difficult to predict the lineup for NYCFC as they have such an array of players who can play in different positions.

Lineup Prediction

Scoreline Prediction

NYCFC 0-3 DCU

I think it’s going to be a big win for DCU as they look to continue the high intensity pressing style, and with NYCFC being a fairly new look team, they will not have enough to get past the defence of DCU. Arriola will continue his great form and I reckon Rooney will get his goal tally off the mark.

Where to watch

You can catch the game live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm GMT