New York City FC welcome Wayne Rooney's DC United to Yankee Stadium this weekend, with the two clubs locked on four points in the Eastern Conference.
It would not be unfair to say that both sides have made an indifferent start to the 2023 Major League Soccer season, meaning that Saturday's match already feels like a pivotal clash.
Match preview
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New York City picked up their first win of the season last time out as they claimed a 1-0 victory over Inter Miami, with Christopher McVey's first-half own goal proving to be the difference between the teams.
After suffering a 2-0 defeat to Nashville SC on the opening weekend, Nick Cushing's men were held to a 1-1 draw by Chicago Fire, so they will be glad to have their first win of 2023 on the board after edging out the Herons.
There is no hiding the fact that New York City have struggled for consistency during the early stages of the new campaign, but they will be hopeful of building on last weekend's victory when DC United come to town.
We should not forget that NYCFC clinched the MLS Cup in 2021 before reaching the Eastern Conference final last year, proving that they are still one of the strongest teams in the league.
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By contrast, DC United finished rock bottom of the Eastern Conference last season – 11 places and 28 points behind New York City – after winning just seven of their 34 matches.
The Black-and-Red also posted the worst offensive and defensive records in the entire league last year, scoring 36 goals while conceding 71 to finish with a sorry goal difference of -35.
That said, Wayne Rooney's men find themselves level on points with NYCFC after three games this season, having recorded a 3-2 victory over Toronto FC and a 1-1 draw with Orlando City, in addition to a 2-0 defeat to the Columbus Crew.
It is worth noting, however, that only basement-dwelling Charlotte FC have conceded more goals than Rooney's side this term, suggesting that DC United's defensive problems have not gone away.
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Team News
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New York City FC have an injury-free squad at the moment, meaning that Nick Cushing has plenty of options to choose from in every department.
Having been signed as a Designated Player following a successful loan spell at NYCFC, Uruguayan playmaker Santiago Rodriguez will continue to support Brazilian forward Talles Magno in attack.
DC United will be without Brendan Hines-Ike (foot) and Martin Rodriguez (knee) this weekend, as the pair have joined Taxiarchis Fountas (thigh) on the club's injury list.
Fountas scored 12 goals in 21 appearances for the Black-and-Red last season, although former Liverpool, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke is an able deputy.
DC United also have ex-Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich in their ranks following his January move to Audi Field, with the 32-year-old scoring a debut goal for his new club in the 3-2 win against Toronto.
New York City FC possible starting lineup:
Barraza; Ilenic, Martins, Chanot, Cufre; Sands, Parks; Pereira, Rodriguez, Pellegrini; Magno
DC United possible starting lineup:
Miller; Teixeira, Birnbaum, Williams, Jeahze; Canouse, Klich; Durkin, Santos, Ku-DiPietro; Benteke
We say: New York City FC 2-1 DC United
Having tasted victory for the first time in 2023 last weekend, we expect New York City FC to secure back-to-back wins when DC United visit Yankee Stadium, while Rooney's side look set to concede more than one goal for the third time in four outings.
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Top tip
Ben Morris
