Starting with the hosts, while Darmstadt might have endured major frustration last season as they limped their way to a bottom-half finish, the Lillies have come roaring back in an impressive fashion this time around. Last seen heading into November's international break with an action-packed 3-2 victory away at Hannover, Florian Kohfeldt's men have their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine promotion charge this year.
Marking their return from September's international break with a stellar 3-1 romp away at Chicago, Pascal Jansen's men have come skyrocketing up the Eastern Conference standings. Last seen at the Yankee Stadium clinching an action-packed 3-2 victory against Columbus, the former AZ Alkmaar boss should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. In fact, since returning from September's fortnight interval, New York have won all of their previous three consecutive MLS showdowns by an aggregate score of 8-3.