New York City II vs Chattanooga Predicted Lineups: Team News and Insights

New York City II welcome Chattanooga to Belson Stadium in a key MLS Next Pro Group Stage clash that could have major implications across both the Northeast and Central divisions, as well as the wider Eastern Conference picture. New York City II sit 5th in the Northeast Division on 21 points from 13 matches, with a 7–0–6 record and a goal difference of -2 (19 scored, 21 conceded). In the Eastern Conference table they are 9th with the same numbers, underlining how tight the middle of the conference is.

Chattanooga arrive in stronger overall shape. They are 3rd in the Central Division and 6th in the Eastern Conference with 24 points from 14 games (8 wins, 6 losses, no draws) and a goal difference of +4, having scored 29 and conceded 25. Their attacking output of over two goals per game stands out compared to New York City II’s more modest return. Recent head-to-head history also leans toward the visitors: Chattanooga won 1–0 at Belson Stadium in the 2025 season, while New York City II edged the 2024 meeting on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regular time.

Both sides come into this fixture with strong recent form in terms of results. New York City II’s last five league games show an 80% form rating with 11 goals scored and 7 conceded, while Chattanooga also boast an 80% form rating, powered by 15 goals scored in their last five. With both teams trending positively and the visitors carrying the more potent attack, this is an ideal setting to break down the predicted lineups and expected starting lineup choices ahead of kickoff.

New York City II Team News & Expected Lineups Today

There are no officially listed injuries or suspensions for New York City II ahead of this match. With no significant absences reported, the coaching staff should have close to a full squad to choose from, an important advantage in such a physically demanding developmental league. Their recent league form (WWLWW across the last five) suggests a group that has found a winning rhythm despite a negative goal difference overall.

Tactically, New York City II are likely to lean on a balanced, attack-minded setup that still respects Chattanooga’s firepower. Their season profile shows they score and concede at similar rates, with goals for and against heavily concentrated in the final 30 minutes. That pattern points to a team that opens up late, either chasing games or exploiting tired legs. With the expected lineup today, the focus should be on controlling central midfield, protecting a back line that has conceded 21 in 13 league games, and using young, energetic attackers to press high and transition quickly.

New York City II Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: T. Romero
DF: Nico Cavallo, João Loiola, E. Martin, Maxwell Murray
MF: Jacob Arroyave, M. Carrizo, C. Flax, D. Kerr, K. Pierre
FW: M. Jones

With no confirmed absentees, the predicted starting lineup for New York City II leans on experience where available and continuity across the spine. Between the posts, T. Romero stands out as the senior option in a deep goalkeeping group, providing leadership and shot-stopping behind a youthful defensive unit. At the back, a core of Nico Cavallo, João Loiola, E. Martin and Maxwell Murray offers a blend of age profiles around the early 20s, ideal for coping with Chattanooga’s aggressive attacking numbers while still being mobile enough to defend space.

In midfield, the expected selection of Jacob Arroyave, M. Carrizo, C. Flax, D. Kerr and K. Pierre gives New York City II plenty of legs and technical quality. This unit will be tasked with both screening the defense and progressing the ball quickly into advanced areas. Players like Carrizo and Flax are well-suited to carrying the ball between the lines, while Kerr and Pierre can provide vertical running and support around the lone forward. Up front, M. Jones profiles as a focal point who can occupy center-backs, link play, and attack crosses, vital against a Chattanooga side that concedes an average of 1.9 goals per game.

Chattanooga Team News & Expected Lineups Today

Chattanooga also enter the match without any officially listed injuries or suspensions. No significant absences reported means the coaching staff can rotate or maintain continuity as they see fit. Their season to date has been defined by high-scoring games: 29 goals for and 25 against in 14 matches, with an away record of 3 wins and 4 losses, scoring 14 and conceding 16 on the road.

Given their attacking profile and recent form (WOWLWW in the division and conference tables), Chattanooga are expected to maintain an adventurous, front-foot approach in lineups today. They average 2.1 goals per game both home and away, and their goal timings show they are particularly dangerous just after half-time and in the final quarter-hour of regular time. The expected lineup should therefore be built around maximizing their forward depth and dynamic midfield runners, even if that means leaving more space in transition.

Chattanooga Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: E. Jakupović
DF: M. Hanchard, N. Koehler, T. Robertson, F. Sar-Sar
MF: S. Louis, A. McGrath, L. Husakiwsky, Isaiah Jones
FW: D. Mangarov, A. Garcia

The predicted starting lineup for Chattanooga is built to emphasize their attacking strengths while maintaining a solid core of experience. In goal, veteran E. Jakupović offers invaluable leadership and organization, crucial for a team that concedes more frequently away from home (2.4 goals per game on the road). In defense, a back line featuring M. Hanchard, N. Koehler, T. Robertson and F. Sar-Sar provides physicality and aerial presence, key against New York City II’s late surges and set-piece threats.

Midfield is where Chattanooga can really tilt the contest. A combination of S. Louis, A. McGrath, L. Husakiwsky and Isaiah Jones gives them balance between ball-winning, distribution, and forward runs. McGrath’s experience in the middle should help control tempo, while Louis and Husakiwsky can shuttle the ball into dangerous areas. Up front, the pairing of D. Mangarov and A. Garcia is expected to spearhead an attack that has produced 30 goals this season. Their movement between the lines and ability to exploit half-spaces will be central to testing New York City II’s defensive structure throughout the 90 minutes.

Injuries and Suspended Players Impact

With no injuries or suspensions officially listed for either side, the match is set up as a near full-strength encounter. That increases the tactical complexity: both managers have the luxury of choosing from deep squads and can tailor their selections specifically to this opponent rather than simply plugging gaps.

New York City II Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

Chattanooga Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Match Up

This fixture pits New York City II’s improving balance against Chattanooga’s more explosive attack. New York City II’s overall league record shows 20 goals scored and 22 conceded across all fixtures referenced, with a tendency to come alive between minutes 61 and 90 both in attack and defense. That suggests a team that can be drawn into open, end-to-end phases late on. Chattanooga, meanwhile, average 2.1 goals per match, with a particularly strong spell between minutes 46 and 60, where they have scored a significant share of their goals.

In the predicted lineups, New York City II’s back four of Cavallo, Loiola, Martin and Murray will be under constant pressure from Mangarov and Garcia, especially in transition and on quick combinations around the box. The midfield battle is critical: if Arroyave, Carrizo, Flax, Kerr and Pierre can disrupt Chattanooga’s passing lanes and slow their progression, New York City II can exploit the visitors’ defensive vulnerabilities, especially given Chattanooga concede 17 goals in seven away matches. Conversely, if McGrath and Louis dictate tempo and feed their forwards early, Chattanooga’s superior attacking metrics and strong head-to-head record (80% in their favour across recent meetings) could tilt the contest decisively their way. Expect both teams to press selectively, with Chattanooga more inclined to commit numbers forward and New York City II looking to pick their moments to counter.

Match Prediction and Verdict

Analysis points to a high-energy, attack-oriented game with chances at both ends. New York City II have been strong at home with 5 wins from 7, but their defensive record (13 conceded at home) is a concern against a Chattanooga side that has scored 15 goals away from home this season. Chattanooga’s attacking metrics, recent form, and the predictive models all lean slightly towards the visitors, though the probability split is almost even between an away win and a draw.

Predictions data suggest a “Win or draw” outcome in favour of Chattanooga, with both teams likely to contribute to the scoreline given their respective over 1.5 goals profiles. With that in mind, and respecting New York City II’s strong home record, a narrow Chattanooga edge or a high-scoring draw appears the most realistic scenario.

Predicted Outcome: New York City II 1–2 Chattanooga

How to Watch New York City II vs Chattanooga Worldwide

Here is how you can watch the match and see the official lineups today live:

• Spain: Local sports network / streaming platform
• UK: Domestic football streaming service
• USA / North America: National soccer broadcaster or official league streaming service
• South America: Regional sports channel or OTT platform
• MENA: Regional sports network with MLS Next Pro rights