New York City II vs Chattanooga Predicted Lineups: Key MLS Next Pro Clash

New York City II host Chattanooga at Belson Stadium in a key MLS Next Pro Group Stage clash that could shape the Eastern Conference playoff picture. New York City II come into this fixture with 21 points from 13 matches, sitting 9th in the Eastern Conference and 5th in the Northeast Division, with a record of 7 wins and 6 losses. Their goal difference of -2 (19 scored, 21 conceded) underlines a side that is dangerous going forward but still vulnerable at the back.

Chattanooga arrive in stronger overall league position. They have 24 points from 14 games and sit 6th in the Eastern Conference and 3rd in the Central Division, with 8 wins and 6 defeats and a positive goal difference of +4 (29 scored, 25 conceded). Their attacking numbers are particularly impressive, averaging 2.1 goals per game both home and away. With both sides in 80% form over their last five fixtures and previous meetings at Belson Stadium being tight, this looks like a high-stakes encounter where predicted lineups and selection choices could be decisive.

Recent head-to-head history adds extra edge: Chattanooga edged a 1-0 win here in 2025, while New York City II advanced on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 2024. With both teams chasing playoff positions and attacking metrics pointing to goals, the expected starting lineup decisions on both sides will be closely scrutinized by those tracking lineups today and pre-match markets.

New York City II Team News & Expected Lineups Today

There are no confirmed absences listed for New York City II ahead of this fixture, so the coaching staff should have a full squad to choose from. That gives them welcome flexibility in managing a group that has produced an excellent home record: 5 wins and 2 losses from 7 home matches, scoring 12 and conceding 13. Their recent form line of “WWLWW” in the Northeast Division shows a team trending upward despite the negative goal difference.

Tactically, New York City II are likely to lean into their attacking strengths and home comfort. They average 1.9 goals per game at home and tend to grow into matches, with a high concentration of goals scored between minutes 61–90. The expected approach is an energetic, front-foot style with plenty of young attackers rotating between wide and central spaces, supported by a technically capable midfield. With no injuries forcing changes, the predicted lineups today should be close to their strongest available selection.

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

This predicted starting lineup for New York City II balances experience and youth across the pitch. In goal, T. Romero is the most established option in a deep goalkeeping group and is the logical pick to handle Chattanooga’s high-scoring attack. At the back, a defensive unit of Nico Cavallo, João Loiola, E. Martin, and Maxwell Murray provides size and mobility, crucial against a side averaging 2.1 goals per game and creating chances throughout all phases of the match.

Midfield is where New York City II can exert control. Jacob Arroyave and M. Carrizo offer energy and ball progression, while C. Flax and D. Kerr can operate between the lines and in wider pockets, helping the team transition quickly into attack. K. Pierre adds additional athleticism and defensive coverage in midfield, important given New York City II’s tendency to concede in the final 30 minutes of games. Up front, M. Jones profiles as a focal point attacker capable of stretching the back line and linking with the advanced midfielders. Without specific top-scorer data, this XI leans on players likely trusted to carry the attacking load and maintain the side’s strong home scoring record.

Chattanooga Team News & Expected Lineups Today

Like their hosts, Chattanooga have no listed injuries or suspensions, so they also approach this match with a full complement of players. Their league position – 6th in the Eastern Conference with 24 points – reflects a side that is particularly dangerous going forward but can be exposed defensively, especially away from home where they have conceded 16 goals in 7 matches. Nonetheless, they have still managed 3 away wins, underlining their ability to outscore opponents in open contests.

Chattanooga’s recent form is strong, with an 80% record over the last five games and an attacking rating of 83% in that span. They have scored 15 goals in their last five matches (3 per game on average), but also conceded 10, which suggests another high-tempo, end-to-end game. The expected tactical approach is aggressive and attack-minded, with several forwards and attack-oriented midfielders in the starting lineup. With lineups today expected to reflect their offensive identity, Chattanooga are likely to take the initiative despite being the away side.

Chattanooga Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: E. Jakupović
DF: M. Hanchard, T. Robertson, F. Sar-Sar, Y. Tcheuyap
MF: S. Louis, A. McGrath, Damien Barker John, D. Ortiz
FW: D. Mangarov, A. Garcia

Chattanooga’s predicted starting lineup is built around their attacking firepower. In goal, veteran E. Jakupović brings experience and leadership, vital for organizing a back line that has been tested heavily on the road. The defensive unit of M. Hanchard, T. Robertson, F. Sar-Sar, and Y. Tcheuyap offers physicality and aerial presence, important against New York City II’s late surges and set-piece threat. However, with the away side conceding 2.4 goals per game on their travels, this back four will likely be under sustained pressure.

In midfield, S. Louis and A. McGrath give Chattanooga a strong central platform, combining ball-winning with forward passing. Damien Barker John and D. Ortiz are more advanced options who can drive play into the final third, supporting a front line that has been prolific all season. Up front, D. Mangarov and A. Garcia form a dynamic attacking duo, capable of exploiting space behind the New York City II defense and capitalizing on quick transitions. Even without explicit top-scorer data, this forward pairing is well-positioned to continue Chattanooga’s impressive scoring rate and pose constant problems for the hosts.

Injuries and Suspended Players Impact

With no recorded injuries or suspensions for either side, this match should showcase both squads at near full strength. That increases the tactical richness of the contest, as neither coach is forced into makeshift solutions or emergency rotations.

New York City II Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

Chattanooga Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Match Up

The tactical battle is likely to revolve around New York City II’s strong home performances against Chattanooga’s more explosive attack. New York City II average 1.9 goals scored and 1.9 conceded at home, while Chattanooga average 2.1 scored and 2.4 conceded away. This points to an open game where both predicted lineups will have opportunities in transition. New York City II’s midfield of Arroyave, Carrizo, Flax, Kerr, and Pierre will be tasked with slowing down Chattanooga’s surges through the middle and wide channels, particularly the runs of Damien Barker John and D. Ortiz from midfield and the movement of Mangarov and Garcia in the front line.

Chattanooga’s ability to score in all phases – with goals spread across 0–90+ minutes and a notable spike between 31–60 minutes – contrasts with New York City II’s tendency to peak offensively in the final half-hour. That sets up an intriguing rhythm: Chattanooga may look to establish an early lead through high pressing and quick combinations, while New York City II could grow into the game and mount late pressure, especially with their home crowd behind them. Defensively, both back lines will be stretched, and the duels between Chattanooga’s central defenders and M. Jones, as well as New York City II’s defenders against Mangarov and Garcia, could define the outcome.

Match Prediction and Verdict

Analysis points to Chattanooga having a slight edge, largely due to their superior attacking numbers and positive overall goal difference. They have scored 30 league goals compared to New York City II’s 20, and their last-five attacking rating of 83% underlines a team in strong offensive rhythm. However, their defensive record away from home leaves the door open for New York City II, who are excellent at Belson Stadium and in good form themselves, with 4 wins in their last 5 league outings.

The prediction model leans towards Chattanooga in a “win or draw” scenario, with the probabilities split at 45% for a Chattanooga win, 45% for a draw, and only 10% for a New York City II victory. With both sides likely to create chances and Chattanooga’s away games often high-scoring, a narrow away success or a high-tempo draw seems most plausible, but the double-chance angle clearly favors the visitors.

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 broadcaster / streaming platform
• UK: Domestic football streaming service
• USA / North America: National soccer streaming platform or MLS-affiliated service
• South America: Regional sports network or online streaming partner
• MENA: Regional pay-TV sports network or official digital platform