FC Cincinnati faces NYCFC in a high-risk duel

FC Cincinnati will travel to the Northeast to take on NYCFC at their temporary stadium, Red Bull Arena. The regular season is coming to an end and it is becoming increasingly clear where each team will end up.

THE OPPOSITION

NYCFC has just one win in their last seven games. That win came over the weekend when they defeated the Red Bulls 5-1 in the Hudson River Derby. During this period their form was chaotic; 13 goals scored and 15 conceded.

One of NYCFC's greatest strengths is their strong offense. They have several game-changers in the squad like Santi Rodriguez, Hannes Wolf and Alonso Martinez. Young attackers like Julian Fernandez, Agustin Ojeda and Jovan Mijatovic are also behind them.

According to Transfermarkt, their squad has the youngest average age at 23.9 years. Since their team is made up of younger and unproven players, they don't have a clear weakness. Their defense is one of their weaknesses, but they haven't conceded anywhere near the most goals in the league – nor have they scored the most goals.

They are a young team with depth led by Nick Cushing who wants to emphasize an exciting, attacking style of play. That's gotten them well over the playoff line, but there's still more work to be done.

Their goal in the last three games is to secure at least fourth place. But with a win over this Cincinnati team, they could potentially move into third place.

THE ORANGE & BLUE

FC Cincinnati now knows the limits of what they can achieve in the regular season – third place is their likely goal. The Shield has been all but secured by Miami and Columbus has all but secured second place with a game to play. But there is still hope if they can win this game.

They lost 2-1 at home to LAFC. David Martinez took the lead in the first half and held it before Luca Orellano equalized with another wonder goal. However, Denis Bouanga scored the narrow winning goal. FCC dominated possession and had more shots, but in the end just couldn't capitalize.

Injuries were the main problem in the squad. It completely destroyed the defense and also affected other areas of the pitch, particularly Lucho Acosta. This also results in a lack of uniformity, which makes every game a question mark.

Chidozie Awaziem was forced off early due to injury, but according to Tom Bogert, it is “not expected to last”. However, Laurel Pfahler stated that he would not be available for this game.

They also have to deal with the inevitable rotation that occurs when a game is played just a few days beforehand. Kubo and Santos also left the game with minor problems, so it is unknown how involved they will be.

This rotation will make this one just as unsafe as the others. A win would be a great result and would boost confidence heading into the final two games and the postseason.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Alonso Martinez is the NYCFC player to watch. He has 14 goals and three assists this season, including a brace in the last game that saw him named the league's Matchday Player. It wasn't expected, but he has become their best attacker.

Unsurprisingly, Luca Orellano is Cincinnati's player to keep an eye on. He has continued to prove to be a spectacular player in this team with three goals and an assist in his last three games. He is the best player in this squad not named Lucho Acosta.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Since this game is the regular season, there is a lot at stake. Both sides are trying to finish with a high seeding in the East. Both have been inconsistent of late and will be looking to find some momentum in the postseason.

A fast-paced match awaits you. NYCFC appears to be a primarily attack-focused team, while Cincinnati will look to absorb the opposition and build from there.