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It’s baaaack. Your favorite dramatic crapshoot of an MLS competition is back as Atlanta United set to embark on a run at MLS Cup. That’s right. The MLS Cup Playoffs are back and the Five Stripes are desperate to forget about the bitter ending of the regular season and earn their first trophy.
Standing in their way first is New York City FC, once the perennial competitor for Atlanta for title of best team in the East and all of MLS, the Pigeons hit a downturn in their season when their manager Patrick Vieira left for a job in Ligue 1. While NYCFC didn’t completely fall off a cliff, their hopes of contending for the Supporters’ Shield and a spot in the Concacaf Champions League were dead due to their sporadic form.
They’re coming off a convincing knockout round win over the Philadelphia Union and look to be in good form, buoyed by the return of holding midfielder Yangel Herrera. We all know what happened the last time Atlanta took the field, we shall suppress that nightmare deep down in our psyche and hope for the best on this second playoff journey in as many years in the league.
Miguel Almiron could be back. He trained but his status is still a question mark. With a second leg at home coming next weekend, he could be limited to a substitute’s role if anything. Or he could be thrown right into the lineup. Who the heck knows? Chris McCann will miss this match as the team announced he’ll miss around three weekends with a quad strain.
Here we go. It’s the playoffs. Anything can and probably will happen. Hold on to your seats and let’s see where this ride takes us.
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
#ATLUTD’s Starting XI vs @NYCFC pic.twitter.com/JG94ZPVGJq
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) November 4, 2018
New York City FC’s Lineup:
| Teamsheet Atlanta United #MakeItHere pic.twitter.com/DEZDYm8daI
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) November 4, 2018
How to Watch
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Advertised Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Available TV: FOX Sports 1
Available Streaming: Fubo TV (Free Trial), FOX Sports GO
Available Radio: 92.9 The Game (English), AT&T Countdown to Kickoff (FB Live/Periscope), La Mejor 1600 AM (Spanish)
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