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NYCFC is set to face the Philadelphia Union in a rematch of the MLS Cup semifinals from last year. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our MLS odds series, which includes our NYCFC vs Philadelphia prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below.
The two teams came into the early season in different manners. NYCFC did not start their title campaign well, winning just four points out of the three games they played. They dropped points against LA Galaxy and Vancouver Whitecaps but turned it around with a convincing 4-1 win over Montreal. Philadelphia, on the other hand, won two games and drawn one to enter this match and they will look to set the tone early in the Eastern Conference by beating the rival NYCFC.
Courtesy of FanDuel , here are the NYCFC vs Philadelphia odds:
MLS Odds: NYCFC vs Philadelphia Odds
New York City FC: -150
Philadelphia Union: +350
Draw: +270
Over: 2.5 (-116)
Under: 2.5 (-106)
Why NYCFC can win this game
NYCFC is the defending MLS Cup champions and en route to the final, where they beat the Portland Timbers, they won 2-1 away from home against their opponents this weekend, Philadelphia. The manner in which they won it was also scarring for Philly fans, as forward Talles Magno scored an 88th-minute winner. This might not seem like a lot, but these kinds of goals and late-game drama can really impact a team. Thus, even though Philadelphia opened the season in a better way, NYCFC might have the psychological advantage.
In terms of their start of the season, it might be misleading. Against Galaxy, one of the favorites for the MLS Cup, NYCFC conceded a goal in the 90th minute, scored by Javier Hernandez Chicharito, a world-class striker. In their game versus the Vancouver Whitecaps, they had ten more shots, three more on goal, and a whopping 70% possession. It is clear to everyone involved that New York should have won that game, but in soccer, there are just times when the ball does not want to go in the net. Unfortunately for Montreal, they got the wrath of the New Yorkers, as they put four past the Canadian team in their last game.
Due to the Galaxy game being a long time ago and with a few ego-boosting games in the past few weeks, NYCFC should be entering this match beaming with confidence. They could look to even out the points between them and Philadelphia and do it on the back of their recent progression in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Why Philadelphia Union can win this game
While the psychological advantage NYCFC likely has due to their rivetting 88th-minute winner in the semis of the MLS Cup last year, Philly also has a horse in the race – revenge. Last year, Philadelphia played a great season and they are once again favored for the MLS Cup, and they might feel like it was bad luck that they did not win it last year. Not only did NYCFC squeak through on a late winner, but COVID-19 also took apart their starting lineup, with nine out of the eleven being out the night before the game. Now, they might look to exact their revenge.
In all honesty, the way Philadelphia breaks down teams is by their defensive setup. In the three games played, they only conceded two goals, one to Minnesota in the first round and then one more to Montreal in the second round. There are only two defenses better than them right now, which is the Chicago Fire, which are yet to concede, and Los Angeles FC, which conceded only one. They are a stable unit of a team and they will be difficult to break down.
Additionally, they combine a great defense with an offense that can truly take the chances they get. In their 2-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes with just 31% possession. They had more shots, shots on target, and even overcame an abysmal 56% pass-succession rate to win the game. They also enter this match with a ton of confidence and we should see an exciting affair come this weekend.
Final NYCFC vs Philadelphia prediction & pick
As things stand, it is very difficult not to favor the Philadelphia Union. They have a more rested team, as NYCFC just played a massive game versus Comunicaciones in the CONCACAF Champions League on the 16th of March. They are also after revenge and it should be a great match to see. Back Philadelphia Union to win their match versus NYCFC.
Final NYCFC vs Philadelphia prediction & pick: Philadelphia (+350)
