By Nick Fiorino (@stretch_fio)
On Wednesday, September 5th NYCFC thankfully return home to the Bronx for an Eastern Conference clash against the Revolution after a terrible performance in Columbus. City will be as short-handed as ever before for the next two home matches, with the International Call-ups of Maxime Chanot, Ebenezer Ofori, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, and Rodney Wallace. The injury report is full as well with Jo Inge Berget and Jesus Medina both unavailable, and Alexander Callens still questionable. Regardless of the obstacles, a win over the Revs is necessary to get City back onto form.
Lineup Prediction
Call it wishful thinking, but I believe that Jonathan Lewis and James Sands will both get the start on Wednesday. I absolutely would not be surprised to see Ronald Matarrita in the attack and Eloi Amagat or Kwame Awuah in the midfield, however. A front three of David Villa, Valentin “Taty” Castellanos, and Jonathan Lewis would be a dream for City supporters, and I hope that Domè makes the correct decision. The backline of Ben Sweat, Alexander Callens, Sebastien Ibeagha, and Anton Tinnerholm should start as well. If Callens is forced to miss the match, however, expect Ben Sweat to move centrally and Ronald Matarrita to start at left-back.
Recent Form
NYCFC: DWLDL
Coming off quite possibly the most disappointing performance of the season, NYCFC luckily have a quick turnaround to turn their fortunes. Winning only one of their last six games, City need six points from the next two matches.
New England: DLLLD
Winless since June, the Revolution have lost six of their last nine. Only six points from the sixth position in the East, however, New England still has everything to play for.
Standings
NYCFC failed to make up ground on the top two in the East, both who also lost this past match week. With one game in hand on the Red Bulls, however, the next two home matches will be incredibly important results for City.
Player Spotlight
NYCFC: Jonathan Lewis
Jonathan Lewis deserves to start this week for NYCFC; If not now, when? With Jo Inge Berget and Jesus Medina sidelined for the near future, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi with his national team, and an aging David Villa playing three games in a week, now is the time. Lewis has been impressive in every appearance thus far in 2018, and if he doesn’t get time this week, this year could be the last we see of Lewis in the Bronx.
New England: Diego Fagundez
Diego Fagundez, who opened the scoring in his last meeting against NYCFC, has had another great season in MLS. Tallying seven goals and eight assists, he has been a bright spot in a disappointing season for the Revs. According to American Soccer Analysis, Fagundez is fourth in the league in key passes with 70, eleven behind Maxi Moralez. Sixth in expected assists and starting in 25 of the Revolution’s 26 games, Fagundez has been a constant in a season without many for New England.
Player Stats
NYCFC:
Goals: Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (11), David Villa (10), Maxi Moralez (8)
Assists: Maxi Moralez (13), Jesus Medina (7), David Villa and Anton Tinnerholm (5)
Home Goals: David Villa (6)
New England:
Goals: Teal Bunbury (11), Cristian Penilla (9), Diego Fagundez (7)
Assists: Diego Fagundez (8), Cristian Penilla (6), Wilfried Zahibo (4)
Away Goals: Teal Bunbury and Cristian Penilla (5)
Follow Nick Fiorino on Twitter at @stretch_fio and The Third Rail at @ThirdRailSC. Interested in learning more about the Third Rail? Visit our website at thirdrail.nyc for merchandise, weekly game previews and more. Interested in joining? Click here.
Watch NYCFC v New England on YES Network at 7:00 ET or Listen on WNYE 91.5 FM