Patrick Vieira believes his side have got the quality to turn around a less than stellar recent run against Orlando City.
NYCFC have only defeated the Floridians once in seven attempts, back in 2015, but the Head Coach believes in his players and thinks they have what it takes to claim the three points.
Jason Kreis’s side have been in great form of late but Vieira believes The Lions have weaknesses his team can exploit.
“It was important to win away from home in our last game,” Vieira told NYCFC.com.
“I think when you look at the game and the way we controlled it, there was a lot of positive aspects to it.
“We managed to play against a strong team, scored goals and didn’t concede any, so that was a good performance.
“On Sunday, I think we’re going to face a strong team who are in a good period but we’ve seen some weaknesses which we’ll try and exploit.
“Of course it’s going to be another tough game but I think we have what it takes to give them a good game.”
Vieira has warned of the threat posed by Canadian striker Cyle Larin who has scored more goals against NYCFC versus than other team.
The Frenchman believes his defenders will have to get close to the in-form forward to limit his involvement this time around.
“Everything he’s doing is going his way and I think when you’re a striker like that with the confidence, things look easy,” Vieira suggested.
“It will be important for us to be close, to be tight and not give him any space.”
NYCFC enter their seventh game with a couple of injuries picked up this week, to Ronald Matarrita and Khiry Shelton.
On Khiry, Patrick expressed his disappointment as he felt we were just about to see the very best of the 23-year old.
“I’m really frustrated and disappointed because in the last two-three weeks, Khiry was really one of our best players – he worked really hard and did very well in training,” he said.
“I was looking forward to him starting one of our next few games and the injury came at a bad time.”
Finally, Vieira revealed his delight that NYCFC will be spreading awareness for Earth Day 2017 by wearing jerseys manufactured using ocean plastic, designed by adidas and Parley.
He added: “I think as a football club, we are really proud to be part of this initiative. As players, as coaches, we’re all behind and supporting the Earth Day cause.”
