NYCFC will be missing a number of regular starters for the upcoming clash with Sporting KC but Head Coach Patrick Vieira is still feeling positive.
The Frenchman has called upon the players he does have at his disposal to prove that they’re worthy of more minutes in Wednesday night’s showdown in the Bronx.
It’s sure to be a tough test against a team flying high in the Western Conference but Vieira is choosing to see the positives in these adverse circumstances.
Patrick told NYCFC.com: “When you’re missing players it gives opportunities to others to express themselves and some players who haven’t played for quite a long time will have a chance to start the game.
“They will have to show that they deserve to play more often. They will have to take the opportunity to show how good they are and to show they’ve been working really well.
“That will be good because what I want is for players to compete and to make it really difficult to choose the starting XI.”
READ:Major Keys to NYCFC vs. Sporting KC
Sporting KC arrive in New York knowing that they can climb to the top of their conference with the three points.
They face an NYCFC side who are unbeaten in nine Regular Season home games and can put some serious breathing space between themselves and Chicago Fire with a victory.
It’s all set up to be an eagerly fought match which could have big ramifications in the MLS Playoffs race with a busy month ahead for the home side.
Vieira added: “It’s a home game and it will be a difficult one, like all of the games we’ve played before.
“This month is going to be really tough because of the number of games that we’re going to play.
“It’s really important to have players coming back from internationals and from injuries because I will need everybody to be focused and fit. It’s going to be very demanding.”
