Preview: FC Cincinnati vs. New York City FC – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

In the first of three decisive games in the opening round of the MLS Cup Playoffs on Saturday, FC Cincinnati host New York City F.C at TQL Stadium.

A 3-1 win for the Boys in Blue last weekend at Citi Field leveled that best-of-three series at once and forced this decisive game in Cincinnati.

Game preview

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After such a strong performance in the first game, we saw a weak Cincinnati team in Queens last week that was outplayed in the middle of the park for most of the 90 minutes.

That was the first loss the Orange-Blue had ever suffered in the opening round of the playoffs and put them in a must-win situation on Saturday.

Pat NoonanIn the first game of this series, the men ended a two-game MLS home losing streak, but have not won consecutive home games at TQL Stadium since May.

Counting the playoffs, Cincinnati won 15 league games by a single goal that year, including a 1-0 triumph in the opening game of that series.

The Orange and Blue collected 11 points during the regular season when they conceded the first goal and won three times in this scenario.

Cincy has never been eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs and has kept three clean sheets in their four all-time home postseason games.

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The Pigeons lived to fight another day, winning the midfield battle on home soil last week, giving them a chance to reach the second round of the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.

This triumph also ended a two-game MLS losing streak for them and was their first postseason triumph since the 2022 Eastern Conference semifinals (3-1 win over CF Montreal).

New York City has not been eliminated from the opening round of the playoffs since suffering a shootout loss to Orlando City (6-5) in 2020 after the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

They have emerged victorious in five of their last seven postseason away games, the last of which came in Montreal in 2022.

That was the last time Nick CushingAs visitors, Manchester’s men won a playoff contest while losing two straight MLS away games, failing to score on both occasions.

Saturday marks the sixth time this season they have faced Cincy in all competitions, with NYCFC losing all three visits to TQL Stadium in 2024.

FC Cincinnati’s MLS playoff form:

FC Cincinnati form (all competitions):

New York City FC’s MLS playoffs form:

New York City FC form (all competitions):

Team news

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Cincy went missing last weekend Nick Hagglund And Matt Miazgaboth of whom are out this year due to leg injuries DeAndre Yedlin Started despite back pain.

Isaiah Foster suffered a knee injury early in the season and will not return this season, nor will anyone Alec Canwho is recovering from a hip problem.

Luca Orellano scored his first career goal in the MLS playoffs in the second game, assisted by Luciano Acostawho completed his 150th international match in the colors orange and blue, making him the second player in the club’s history to reach this milestone Yuya Kubo.

The pigeons are allowed to be without one Malachi Joneswho is currently recovering from a leg injury Tayvon Gray He missed the previous match due to a red card suspension, but will be able to return to the squad on Saturday.

Mitja Ilenic took his place as right-back in the second game Justin Haak And Maxi Moralez came into the starting line-up as a substitute Birk Risa And Andres Perea.

Alonso Martínez scored his first goal in the 2024 playoffs last Saturday, the other goals came Thiago Martins And Santiago Rodríguez.

Possible FC Cincinnati starting lineup:
Celentano; Awaziem, Robinson, Hadebe; Powell, Bucha, Nwobodo, Valenzuela, Acosta; Orellano, Kubo

Possible New York City FC starting lineup:
release; Ilenic, Martins, Risa, O’Toole; parks, sands; Wolf, Moralez, Rodriguez; Martínez

We say: FC Cincinnati – New York City FC 1:2 (New York City FC wins the series 2:1)

These two teams love to have the ball and attack often, and we trust that the experience and creativity of NYCFC’s midfielders will give them a slight advantage.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

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