Unbeaten Philadelphia Visits NYCFC
New York City FC wants to become the first back-to-back MLS champion since 2012. On the other hand, the Philadelphia Union wants to capture its first title. The season is only beginning, but Philly already has a great opportunity to increase its lead over NYCFC to six points.
The Union is one of three Eastern Conference teams that remain unbeaten. However, New York is the one dominating the soccer lines thanks to a -150 price. That’s the kind of respect you get while sitting on the throne.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and Soccer odds for New York City FC vs Philadelphia Union. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider.
New York City FC: Rocky Start
Everyone was expecting New York City FC to start on the right foot. Nevertheless, the reigning champs lost their first game 1-0 to the Los Angeles Galaxy. One week later, they drew 0-0 with the Vancouver Whitecaps. Most recently, they crushed CF Montreal 4-1. They were betting online favorites to win the last two games.
Why so inconsistent? Well, some say it’s the hangover after the title celebration. I think it has to do with playing two demanding tournaments simultaneously. I know, in soccer that’s pretty common. However, only MLS teams have to do it at the beginning of the season. In other words, when players aren’t at their best, physically speaking.
Precisely, the MLS champs went to Guatemala and lost 4-2 to Comunicaciones. They managed to advance thanks to scoring more goals on the road. The first leg in the Big Apple finished 3-1.
The good news is that Valentin Castellanos scored. He hasn’t done it domestically. Also, Talles Magno scored for the second consecutive game. There’s also the fact that NYCFC hasn’t lost in their last 10 home games. They won the last six by a 19-4 aggregate.
Union Led by Explosive Duo
The Philadelphia Union started the season with a draw against Minnesota United. Not ideal considering it was at home. However, one week later, the Zolos went to Montreal and recuperated some points by winning 2-1. Last Saturday, they returned home and defeated the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0.
If New York City FC has Castellanos and Magno, the Union have Corey Burke and Daniel Gazdag. Each has scored two goals, Gazdag in consecutive games. As if that wasn’t enough, defender Nathan Harriel was named to MLS Team of the Week. They’re the main reason for the visitors to be considered a tempting online gambling underdog, especially at +420.
“Everybody has to recognize you have to do your job each and every week. We have real capable guys that are pushing for minutes,” said head coach Jim Curtin in a press conference. “He’s not wrong, there’s nothing better than some intense internal competition.
The Zolos already pulled off an upset. They were underdogs against Montreal at +200. That means all who trusted them and placed a $100 bet won $300.
New York City FC vs Philadelphia Union Head-to-Head
- Previous Matches: 17
- New York City FC Victories: 10 (28 goals)
- Philadelphia Union Victories: 5 (20 goals)
- Draws: 2
In 2021, these teams collided four times, including the Eastern Conference Final. New York City FC finished with a slight advantage thanks to a 2-1-1 record. Curiously enough, both victories were in Philadelphia.
The last time they met at Yankee Stadium, the match finished 1-1. Not a bad result for the home side, considering Gedion Zelalem got a red card 21 minutes into the game.
New York City FC vs Philadelphia Union Game Information
- Date: Saturday
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Yankee Stadium, New York
- Live stream: fubo.tv
New York City FC vs Philadelphia Union Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| New York City FC | -1 +120 | -150 | 2½-120o | 1½-130o 1½Evu |
| Philadelphia | +1 -150 | +420 | 2½-110u | ½-170o ½+140u |
| Draw | +285 |
New York City FC vs Philadelphia Union Prediction
I have no doubt that New York City FC is the better team. Nevertheless, momentum is on Philadelphia’s side. Plus, the midweek game in Guatemala was an intense battle and the Citizens almost got eliminated. That means New York’s players won’t be well rested, hurting its chances to get a victory. That’s why my football prediction for Saturday is a draw in which both will score.
Score Prediction: New York City FC 1, Philadelphia Union 1
