Minnesota United will host NYCFC in a game that could be a huge win for any of the teams if they are able to get there. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our MLS odds series, which includes our Minnesota-NYCFC prediction and pick we have laid out below.
Minnesota United is right there when it comes to the playoff fight. They are on 18 points from 13 games and just because of goal difference, they are not currently in the playoff picture. Additionally, they ended a run of three straight defeats and come into this game ready to continue the undefeated run. NYCFC will be a worthy opponent, as the younger NY club is on a roll this season. They are a single point behind Philadelphia Union for the first seed in the Eastern Conference, but they also only played 12 games, as opposed to 13 that the Union played. NYCFC will look to continue their streak of positive results.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Minnesota-NYCFC MLS odds:
MLS Odds: Minnesota-NYCFC Odds
Minnesota: (+240)
NYCFC: (-110)
Draw: (+250)
Over: 2.5 (-154)
Under: 2.5 (+126)
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Why Minnesota Could Win This Game
Minnesota has been doing okay this year when we look at the grand scheme of things. They were undefeated in the first four games and enter this game undefeated in two. However, the horrifying run with five defeats from seven games hurt them a lot. Even winning two in the middle did not regain their confidence, as Minnesota could not capitalize on a good start. However, this game is their opportunity to signal a return to some winning consistency.
NYCFC is the perfect opponent due to the fact that they are a top team from another conference, one that is fighting for the first seed in the East. It is being played in Minnesota's home stadium, where the fans will look to cheer their club to a victory. If they manage to win, it would look very strong and increase the confidence of the squad going forward, as they have some tough opponents to look out for. However, it is not only about confidence and the intangibles but also about talent.
Minnesota will look to Robin Lod to be their primary option. He scored three goals in their last three matches, including the opener versus Dallas FC and the point-saving goal versus LA Galaxy, one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Look for the Finnish striker to continue his positive streak of goalscoring in this game as well, despite the NYCFC defense playing on a very high level for the entire season. Lod will be the focal point and if he can get going, Minnesota has a great chance of winning this bout.
Why NYCFC Could Win This Game
The last time that NYCFC lost a game in the MLS was on April 2nd, playing against Toronto FC in Canada. This team has been on an absolute roll, beating opponents left, right, and center. They only conceded four goals in this run and 10 overall, and interestingly enough, the only four they conceded was to Toronto FC, in an iconic 5-4 game in mid-April. Thus, if anyone is entering this game with confidence, it is NYCFC, and confidence can be a huge factor.
These NYCFC players are entering this game versus Minnesota knowing that they can win and that they are very good defensively. It all really starts with the leadership shown from center back by the pair of Thiago Martins and especially Alexander Callens, both premier center backs for the MLS. Offensively, they have been topsy-turvy all season, but one player has just been incredible. Of course, that is the Argentine Valentin Castellanos.
Castellanos is arguably NYCFC's best player since arriving from Torque in 2018. He has been amazing and at the age of 23, he is outshining some massive European names in the MLS. Thus, if there is one reason why NYCFC can win any game, including this one, it is this young player right here. Castellanos is the main guy on offense and he knows that there is enough support defensively behind him, so look for the Argentine to be the best player on the field come Saturday.
Final Minnesota-NYCFC Prediction and Pick
Minnesota is playing well in the last few games, but this is NYCFC's to lose. They are the hottest team in the MLS right now, have almost no weaknesses, or at least do not show them, and they will be gunning for that first spot in the Eastern Conference. Our final Minnesota-NYCFC prediction is an NYFCF win at the Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Final Minnesota-NYCFC Pick: NYCFC (-110)
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