There are just four points separating fourth-placed New York City FC and fifth-placed New England Revolution on the MLS Eastern Conference standings as the duo lock horns at the Yankee Stadium in Bronx on Sunday.
New York City have hit a rich vein of form and have won all their last three matches and will be looking to secure their best run of the season yet by extending the streak to four with a win over New England Revolution. Meanwhile, the Revs have struggled to get a good run going and fell to Toronto FC 1-0 on Wednesday.
This is the third time that these two sides will be squaring off against each other this season. New York City FC came out winners when the sides clashed early in September with a scoreline of 2-0. However, New England Revolution were able to hold their Sunday opponents to a goalless draw when the two sides met later on September 19th.
New York City FC have scored 11 goals and conceded just three in their last three games. Meanwhile, New England Revolution will be distraught to have left the Gilette Stadium on Wednesday without a point after fighting hard against Eastern Conference leaders Toronto FC.
New York City FC vs New England Revolution Head-to-Head
New York City FC and New England Revolution have played each other 15 times till date. It is New England Revolution who have the slightest edge over their opponents, winning six of the 15 games. New York City have won five. Four games have ended in draws.
The last time these two sides met was at the Gillette Stadium on September 19th and the game ended in a goalless draw.
New York City FC form guide: D-L-W-W-W
New England Revolution form guide: D-W-W-D-L
New York City FC vs New England Revolution Team News
For New York City FC, youngster Gedion Zelalem is still recovering from a knee injury. Tayvon Gravy is not medically cleared to play. Heber is out for the season with a torn ACL and Maxi Moralez will be sidelined as well owing to a knee injury.
Injuries: Gedion Zelalem, Maxi Moralez, Tayvon Gravy and Heber
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None
Luis Caceido (right knee surgery) is out for the season for New England Revolution. Carles Gil is another long-term absentee after undergoing an Achilles surgery. Matt Polster is not medically cleared to compete.
Injuries: Luis Caceid, Carles Gil and Matt Polster
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None
New York City FC vs New England Revolution Predicted Lineups
New York City FC Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sean Johnson; Anton Tinnerholm, Maxime Chanot, Alexander Callens, Ronald Matarrita; James Sands, Keaton Parks; Jesus Medina, G. Mackay-Steven, Alexander Ring; Valentin Castellanos
New England Revolution Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Matt Turner; DeJuan Jones, Henry Kessler, Andrew Farrell, Brandon Bye; T. McNamara, Scott Caldwell; Teal Bunbury, Lee Nguyen, Tajon Buchanan; Buksa
New York City FC vs New England Revolution Prediction
New England Revolution might find New York City FC's heat a little too much to handle. New England Revolution will be looking to exact revenge for the 2-0 loss they suffered at home against NYCFC early in September.
It's a little tough to call this one but we're going to go with New York City FC because of the form they're in.
Prediction: New York City FC 2-1 New England Revolution