New York, NY — This Sunday at Yankee Stadium, MLS newcomers Atlanta United are in town to face NYCFC. With both teams first and second respectively in goals scored per game in the Eastern Conference, Sunday’s match poses to be a goal fest.

NYCFC

After a dramatic comeback win last week against Columbus, NYCFC look to gain three points against a pesky Atlanta side. Last week, NYCFC was without Captain David Villa. Additionally, Vieira made three changes to the Starting XI, bringing in Sean Okoli, Yangel Herrera, and Ben Sweat. On top of that, Andrea Pirlo was left on the bench for the first time all season. 

In this matchup, it will be interesting who starts for NYCFC. Will Pirlo stay on the bench? Will Sweat get another start at left-back? That will be the main thing to watch for heading into Sunday’s match. In addition to the lineup, Jack Harrison has been on fire lately, notably earning MLS Player of Week last week after netting two goals and an assist against Columbus. Can Harrison continuing his dynamic play against Atlanta? 

Atlanta United

After losing by two goals last week against D.C. United at home, Atlanta makes its first trip up to the Bronx of their MLS history. If one thing is for certain, Atlanta United can score. With eighteen goals on the season, Atlanta United poses to be a threat to opposing backlines. 

However, Atlanta does have a habit of blowing leads. Because of that habit, tomorrow’s match will make for an interesting battle of two similar clubs. 

Plus, tomorrow’s matchup will also mark an interesting day for NYCFC goalkeeper, Sean Johnson. 

Not only was Johnson once traded to Atlanta United for almost a day but is a native of the Southern metropolis. For Johnson, Sunday will be a match against a “what could have been” club. Make sure to watch out for Johnson to see if the shot-stopper can keep Atlanta out of the net.

Prediction

With Atlanta playing their first match at Yankee Stadium, a smaller field than they are accustomed to at Bobby Dodd Stadium, expect a lot of goals from Atlanta. The smaller field will allow them to continue to create chances, thus possibly wearing down the NYCFC backline. But, NYCFC will have something to prove in tomorrow’s match, as they lost for the first time in a long time at home to Orlando two weeks ago. 

Expect both teams to create chances for the entirety of the match. At the end of the ninety, a 3-3 Draw seems likely as both of these teams love to soccer and concede uncanny goals.