New York City FC host a resurgent Philadelphia Union at Yankee Stadium, with the home side still clinging onto the final automatic playoff first round place in the MLS Eastern Conference.
City dropped to seventh in the standings due to results on Saturday but are in decent form with two wins and a draw from their last three games.
However, Union have an even better record. Having won just once all season, they have sparked into life under interim head coach Ryan Richter to claim three consecutive victories and lift themselves from the foot of the MLS Eastern Conference.
Recent meetings between these two sides have been tense and close, with six of their last seven clashes decided by a one-goal margin and four of those showdowns settled by the only goal of the game.
A similar outcome could be on the cards again as both teams look to extend their fine runs of recent form.
New York City vs. Philadelphia Union betting picks and predictions
New York City & Goals range 1-3 (+300)
The recent history of this matchup gives a heavy hint that there may not be too many goals scored, with all three meetings last season ending in 1-0 scorelines, two in favour of NYCFC and one in favour of Philly.
Their clash earlier this season at PPL Park ended 2-1 to visiting City, with Tayvon Gray notching a late, late winner after Indiana Vassilev had levelled from the penalty spot for the Union as normal time ran out.
That was City's third win in their last four meetings with Philadelphia and they can continue that run of success on Sunday, but it is unlikely to be an open, attacking encounter, so adding a goals range of 1-3 to a home win can bolster the return.
NYCFC are also given the nod because among the three-match unbeaten runs of both sides, their 3-1 home win over Chicago Fire - who are fourth in the Eastern Conference - is the most impressive result of the six games played.
Hannes Wolf to score anytime (+200)
Including a to score anytime option might seem slightly risky, but there are players on both sides who are certainly worthy of consideration.
For the Union, Milan Iloski has netted a superb eight goals in his last six appearances, including a hat-trick in the amazing 6-4 defeat at Inter Miami, but he has to be overlooked with Philly taken to lose this game at Yankee Stadium.
City's Nicolas Fernandez has also been red-hot in front of goal in recent games, scoring in five of his last six for Pascal Jansen's side.
The Argentinian has scored 13 goals in 18 MLS appearances so far this season and in each of his last four, but he is ruled out by suspension, so teammate Hannes Wolf becomes the selection.
The Austrian may have gone six games without a goal, but he scored all three in a 3-0 home win over Columbus Crew back in early May and will be eager to end his mini drought and aid his side's cause in the absence of Fernandez.
Both teams to score - No (+137)
This final selection comes neatly off the back of the lead tip, with both teams to score - no making perfect sense if, as expected, this clash is a tight one between two teams in fine recent form.
Yes, you might be tempted to think that the goals will flow at Yankee Stadium, but the recent record between thee two sides suggests that will not be the case.
Last season's three meetings all produced just one goal and, although the result earlier this season was 2-1 to City, it may well be that the suddenly revived visitors are kept off the scoresheet by a home side desperate to boost their playoff hopes.
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New York City vs. Philadelphia Union odds
New York City | +162 |
Tie | +240 |
Philadelphia Union | +160 |
New York City vs. Philadelphia Union player props
Anytime goalscorer
Milan Iloski (Philadelphia Union) | +137 |
Seymour Reid (New York City) | +175 |
Bruno Damiani (Philadelphia Union) | +175 |
Ezekiel Alladoh (Philadelphia Union) | +175 |
Hannes Wolf (New York City) | +200 |
Benie Traore (New York City) | +200 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
