New York City FC are preparing for the second Hudson River Derby of the campaign.
Here’s the Keys to the Match, presented by Tri-State Ford…
Welcome Home
Both Ronny Deila and Sean Johnson touched on the fact they’re looking forward to getting back home to Yankee Stadium on Saturday.
The pair were hugely appreciative of the effort and noise that the traveling fans made on Wednesday night. The benefits of playing at home are obvious, with the backing of a vocal support an extra boost to 11 players that will already be going out to win the game.
Reshuffle For Red Bulls
A pair of red cards on Wednesday night means NYCFC will be without Keaton Parks and Maxime Chanot on Saturday night.
That poses some interesting tactical decisions for Ronny Deila. He may continue with the same three man system from Wednesday, introducing Vuk Latinovich or Tayvon Gray, or switch to a back four with James Sands and Alex Callens.
Further up the field, Nicolás Acevedo or Gedion Zelalem represent options as deeper-lying midfielders that can connect defence and attack.
In short, NYCFC have options and depth which will give Ronny a chance to play around with things tactically. He will not be considering those absences an excuse, however, with NYCFC determined to go out and dictate proceedings.
Finish It
If there was one aspect of proceedings on Wednesday that needed improvement it would be finishing.
Rivalry games can often be decided on the finest of margins, and on Wednesday both Anton Tinnerholm and Jesús Medina had very good opportunities to find the net.
Both players will know they could and likely should have done better with their opportunities. If NYCFC can make that small adjustment and take their chances on Saturday they should have no issue in securing three points and confirming that New York is indeed blue.
