Philadelphia Union: Union head to NYCFC looking for bounce back

The Philadelphia Union look to bounce back this Saturday, as they face off with Eastern Conference rivals, New York City F.C.

The ins and outs

New York City F.C. (6-3-5) vs. Philadelphia Union (4-4-5)

When: Saturday 1:00 p.m. ET – Yankee Stadium (Bronx, NY)

Where to watch: Comcast Sportsnet (CSN)

Streaming: MLS Live

PRO Referees: Hilario Grajeda, Corey Rockwell (AR1), Jeff Muschik (AR2), Mark Kadlecik (AR4).

Coaches: Patrick Vieira (NYCFC) – Jim Curtin (Philadelphia Union).

What Union group will we see?

After seeing their six match unbeaten run snapped at RSL last weekend, the question now is what Union side will we see in New York this Saturday? Jim Curtin’s side were shutout by a struggling Real Salt Lake team, and will look to bounce back nicely against an Eastern Conference foe. Alejandro Bedoya will be missing due to international duty, while Derrick Jones is also gone with the U.S.

U-20 squad at the World Cup. The Union have lost their last two matches against NYCFC, but will hope to earn their first MLS victory at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. Also, revenge will be on the minds of the Union players, who lost against NYCFC 2-0, back in April.

As for NYCFC, they are coming into this match off a 2-2 draw on Wednesday vs. the New England Revolution. In the month of May, Patrick Vieira’s side went 2-2-2 with victories against Atlanta United and Orlando City. David Villa leads the team with eight goals, while 20-year-old Jack Harrison has been a nice surprise with six so far. NYCFC have taken 11 of their current 21 points from home this season, and would like to add to that tally. However, for the Union to have a strong chance at three points, they will need to limit both Harrison and Villa offensively.

Possible Lineups:

The injury report remains the same for the Union going into their match this weekend. Maurice Edu remains a long-term absentee, while Brian Carroll and Fabian Herbers are also out. Defender Joshua Yaro should return to the side in the coming weeks, after having shoulder surgery earlier this year. With Bedoya gone with the USMNT, look for Warren Creavalle to slot in next to in-form midfielder, Haris Medunjanin.

Keys to the Match:

Take advantage of NYCFC’s tired legs.
After a disappointing showing a week ago, the Union could very well get after the hosts on Saturday. NYCFC is coming off a midweek match which they allowed a late equalizer by the Revolution. They also have only 48 hours to prepare for the Union’s arrival, due to Saturday’s afternoon kickoff. It is also NYCFC’s third match in six days, after a loss in Atlanta last Sunday. David Villa is 35, and has played 180 minutes the last two matches. If the Union back-line cannot stop him, then maybe fatigue will play a factor.

Next: Philadelphia Union winning streak snapped by Joao Plata and RSL

Player to Watch: Fafa Picault.

The 26-year-old Picault has been fun to watch in the last few matches for the Union. Picault has scored two goals this season, ad has added an element of pace and skill to Jim Curtin’s starting XI. Paired with Chris Pontius on the wings, Picault has been allowed to take on defenders at will, while also putting in defensive work on the other end. With Pontius’ gritty attitude and drive on one side, Picault has found success over the last month or so. Against some tired legs for NYCFC, I expect Picault to attack the wings with every chance he gets on Saturday.

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