- Standings: New York City FC and D.C. United are both on 12 points from 10 games in the MLS Eastern Conference (16th and 20th respectively).
- Scoring form: Punters should expect goals in this game as NYCFC have scored 16 times in six home MLS 2026 games.
- Away form: D.C. United have drawn two and lost once in their last three MLS away games.
Jansen vs Weiler - a clash of philosophies
The contrast in approach between NYCFC and D.C. United will make for a fascinating tactical clash on Sunday when the two Eastern Conference rivals meet at Citi Field.
NYCFC's philosophy
Pascal Jansen has implemented a possession-based game with an ever-changing shape that can dominate the ball and get it back quickly since January 2025. His philosophy has given NYCFC an identity and made them a tough team to play against in 2026, although the results are a little patchy.
Recent results
The Sky Blues played out an incredible 4-4 draw at home with FC Cincinnati and then lost 2-1 away to CF Montreal, so they have one win, one draw and three defeats in their last five MLS games.
D.C. United set up to make NYCFC work hard for their chances
René Weiler’s squad will make them work even harder for their openings on Sunday as his compact, direct style has made D.C. United very difficult to break down since taking over in July 2025. The Black and Red have only won one of their six away MLS 2026 matches (three draws, two defeats), but have been involved in some close games as they try to punish opponents on the counter attack.
They had a 0-0 draw away at Philadelphia Union before a dramatic 3-2 home win over Orlando City SC.
Recent H2H games have been tight with D.C. United winning two, NYCFC one and two draws from the last five MLS meetings. The visitors edged their way to a 2-1 win here in MLS 2025 and will feel confident they can do the same again.
Expect an open, end-to-end game
But NYCFC have more attacking talent and should be able to take the advantage in what could be an end-to-end match.
The Sky Blues’ home record is two wins, two draws and two defeats from six games in MLS 2026, while D.C. United have only one victory in the same number of games. But their away record is similar to NYCFC’s home performance, so we’re going for the home side at 1.72, Over 2.5 goals at 1.88 and Both Teams to Score - Yes at 1.77.
- Maxi Moralez has provided six assists in ten MLS 2026 matches to set up NYCFC’s play.
- Top scorer Nicolas Fernandez has eight goals in ten league appearances, but the hot hand in the club has been Talles Magno, who has scored four times in his last five appearances.
- Tai Baribo has bagged six goals in eight MLS 2026 appearances for the visitors, including three in the last five, so he should get some joy against NYCFC’s disorganised defence on Sunday.
- Baribo’s goals have sparked DC United’s attack as they have scored nine in their last five.
