Wayne Rooney has his work cut out in New York City

MLS
Sky Sports Football & Mix, 9.55pm Saturday

New England inflicted a rare home league defeat on New York City on Thursday evening, but the bullish Bronx Blues are unlikely to dwell on their mistakes and can bounce back immediately against a travel-sick DC United.

Domenec Torrent’s troops were unbeaten in 16 league games prior to New England’s visit but were punished for being wasteful in front of goal.

The hosts dominated the shot 18-8 and forced 14 corners – ten more than their guests – and on a different day would have surely won at a canter.

Their disappointing defeat to New England extended their winless run to four league games but there have been excuses for their recent slump in form.

Reverses at Philadelphia and Columbus Crew, two sides firmly in the mix for a playoff place, can be excused, while there was no shame in being held to a 1-1 draw at home to bitter rivals New York Red Bulls, who currently lead the way in the Eastern Conference.

So a visit from DC United offers the perfect chance to regain the winning touch.

Wayne Rooney’s link-up with the Washington-based outfit has rejuvenated them but the bulk of their winning has been done on home soil and inconsistencies on the road continue to hamper them.

DC defeated highflying Atalanta 3-1 at home on Monday but they simply can’t produce performances of the same magnitude on the road.

The visitors have won only one of their 15 away league games this season and have picked up just one point from a possible 18 on trips to top six sides in the Eastern Conference.

Third-placed City are six points off the automatic places and will see this as an opportunity to narrow the gap.

Recommendation
New York City
2pts 8-11 Betway

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