Nashville vs New York City Prediction, Match Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
This isn’t a Drill: MLS is Back
Missing the NFL? Well, I have great news, at least if you’re a sports betting enthusiast. Starting this Saturday, you’ll have one more option to wager on MLS. As if that wasn’t enough, the 2023 season will start with a great match since Nashville SC will play host to New York City FC.
We’re talking about two teams that made it into the last postseason and are offering a great price in the MLS odds board.
Nashville SC: MVP Leading the Way
Last season, Nashville SC finished fifth in the Western Conference. Later, the Boys in Gold put up a really good fight in the first round of the playoffs but ended up losing 1-0 to the Los Angeles Galaxy. Curiously enough, they finished with more shots in total, and on target, than the winners.
That was the third straight campaign in which the Nashville SC reached the postseason, meaning we’re talking about a team with incredible chemistry and a winning mentality. As if that wasn’t enough, we’re talking about a team that truly takes advantage of playing at home. Yes, they lost five of their last 12 home matches, but prior to that, they had gone unbeaten in 25 straight home games in all competitions.
There’s also the fact that their attacking unit is led by Hany Mukhtar, who scored 23 goals in the 2022 season. That was enough for him to win the Golden Boot and be named Most Valuable Player. Mukhtar is ready to prove that wasn’t a stroke of luck or anything like it.
Finally, the Boys in Gold dominate the MLS lines thanks to a +105 price. Considering they crushed FC Cincinnati 6-3 in their last preseason game, that’s a very good deal.
New York City FC: Amazing Streak
Last season, New York City FC finished third in the Eastern Conference with 55 points. That was the sixth straight season that the Citizens managed to win at least 50 points, the longest active streak in MLS. If they want to keep the streak going, starting on the right foot is very important.
Besides reaching the Eastern Conference final, in which they lost 3-1 to the Philadelphia Union last season, the Citizens also won the Campeones Cup, an annual match between the winners of the previous MLS Cup and the winners of the Campeon de Campeones from Liga MX. New York City FC defeated Atlas 2-0.
While they lost important pieces such as Sean Johnson, Alexander Callens and Maxi Moralez, they also managed to sign Mitja Ilenic, Matt Freese, Matias Pellegrini and Braian Cufre. Cufre will play on a loan from Mallorca of La Liga, meaning he knows a thing or two about winning.
The visitors come in as the betting online underdogs at +245. That’s also a very tempting deal considering they finished unbeaten when playing on the road during the offseason. They drew 1-1 to Los Angeles FC and defeated Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1.
Nashville vs New York City Head-to-Head
These two have met twice, both in 2021. First, Nashville SC won 3-1 at home with Mukhtar as Man of the Match after scoring a brace. It was a pretty busy match for the referee, who ended up showing six yellow cards and two reds.
The second match, at Red Bull Arena, finished with a goalless draw. This time, the referee only showed two yellow cards.
Nashville vs New York City Match Information
- Match: Nashville SC vs New York City FC
- Date/Time: Saturday, Feb. 25, 4:30 p.m. ET.
- Location: Geodis Park, Nashville
- Nashville SC vs New York City FC Live stream: fubo.tv
Nashville vs New York City Betting Lines
Nashville vs New York City Picks and Prediction
The first game of the season is always tricky, but Nashville SC has the advantage for two reasons. First, Mukhtar is in his prime. At 27, the midfielder still has the chance to play in Europe someday. Another prolific season in MLS would be a huge step toward that goal. He’ll go all-in right from the start. Second, the Citizens will need some time to regroup. Only three of the 11 starters from NYCFC’s MLS Cup-winning side in 2021 remain on the team.
That doesn’t mean the Citizens won’t put up a good fight, meaning the home side will need to score more than 1½ goals, which is why you should include the Boys in Gold total in your MLS picks.
The Nashville SC is listed at +105 in our Vegas MLS lines. This means that if you wager $100 on Nashville SC, you have a chance to win $105. New York City FC is +245X, offering a chance to win $245 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Nashville SC a 48.78% chance to win, with New York City FC at 28.99%.
