New York City vs Inter Miami: Topsy Turvy Season for New York City

• The two sides have faced each other six times in the league. NYCFC have won five of those while Miami have won just one
• After winning just two out of ten games in August and September, NYCFC have finished the league phase with three successive wins over NY Red Bulls, Orlando, and Atlanta United
• Inter Miami were on a 4-game winning streak before losing on the final day against Montreal and dropping from 5th to 6th in the league table.

New York City vs Inter Miami Odds

New York City vs Inter Miami Prediction

The head-to-head stats favor New York City. However, the one win that Inter Miami have over NYCFC came this season in August when they beat the Boys in Blue 3-2. Coming into the game, the recent form might play a vital role. Morale is high for NYCFC while Inter Miami will be playing after losing their winning streak last time around. Additionally, Inter Miami’s star midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo is doubtful for this encounter because of a groin injury.

Strong Home Form vs Poor Away Record

The biggest concern for the visitors will be NYCFC’s home form this season. In 17 home games, the Cityzens have lost only three games. It is the second-best home form in the league this season behind Philadelphia’s. Inter Miami, on the other hand, have a poor away record this season after winning just four out of 17 away games. They have scored 13 and conceded 28 goals on their travels in the league this season.

Topsy Turvy Season for New York City

The defending champions finished 3rd in the table, two points clear of city-rivals NY Red Bulls and 12 behind league leaders Philadelphia. Last season, the Boys in Blue finished 4th with 51 points and a (14-9-11) record.

NYCFC got off to a shaky start this season as they started with a defeat against LA Galaxy and then drew the next game against Vancouver. In the third game, they finally nabbed their first win against Montreal and then went on to lose the next two league games. In the next 17 games, NYCFC lost just one game and won eleven, drew two, putting them back on track. Through August and September, the Cityzens struggled as they won just two out of ten games during that period.

The Boys in Blue ended their 5-game winless streak with a 2-0 win over rivals NY Red Bulls. Alexander Callens and Santiago Rodriguez were on the scoresheet.

Valentin Castellanos’ Departure

Striker Valentin Castellanos was sent to La Liga side Girona on a season-long loan at the start of the season. The striker scored 59 goals and registered 25 assists in 134 appearances for New York City FC and also lifted the trophy with them last season.

The Cityzens have brought in Gabriel Pereira, who has managed to score 8 goals and nab 3 assists this season in the league. Castellanos’ departure has not had a huge impact on the league performance and finish this season, but it could come into play during the playoffs.

A Blend of Veterans and Youth

20-year-old striker Talles Magno has netted 7 goals and nabbed 8 assists this season. Pereira, who has joined the club this season, is only 21-years-old. Midfielder Nicolas Acevedo is 23 and his partner in midfield Keaton Parks is 25.

This promising young side has been playing alongside experienced heads like Maxi Moralez, who has scored 2 and set up 6 so far this season, and defender Alexander Callens, who has scored 5 and assisted once.

Playoff An Achievement in Itself for Miami After Poor Start

Inter Miami got off to a terrible start in the league this season. The Herons drew their first game and went on to lose the next four games. They recovered in the next three games, winning all three by a one-goal margin.

In the month of May, Inter Miami won two, lost two and drew two games in the league. In the final set of fixtures, they recovered to cement their playoff position with four wins in a row and then lost their final game of the season. The Herons finished the league season with a negative goal difference (-9) after scoring 47 goals and conceding 56.

Pozuelo Doubtful

Inter Miami’s star man Alejandro Pozuelo missed the last game of the season due to a groin injury. The Spanish midfielder has registered six goals and nine assists in 28 league games this season.

The last time Inter Miami faced NYCFC in the league earlier this season, Pozuelo bagged a brace that included an 84th minute winner. In the game against NY Red Bulls, Pozuelo was shown a straight red in the 29th minute. Miami lost that game 3-1.

Higuain Retiring

Gonzalo Higuain announced earlier this season that he will hang his boots at the end of the current season. The 34-year-old Argentinian striker has been prolific for Inter Miami this season after scoring 16 goals, recording 3 assists in 28 league matches.

The Herons would love to set up a proper send-off for the legendary Argentinian but the perfect way seems a little far fetched for them. If Inter Miami fail to win against NYCFC, this game will be Gonzalo Higuain’s final game before retirement.

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