We are at the midway stage of the MLS regular season and the importance of each match will start to ramp up, with all 30 teams still hoping to make the playoffs.
Two Eastern Conference rivals meet on Friday night, as New York City and Toronto FC clash at Yankee Stadium.
The hosts are currently fifth in the East and nine points ahead of their opponents, with the Canadian outfit ranked seven places below NYC.
Pascal Jansen's men are in search of a third straight win after victories over both Columbus and Chicago and have an impressive recent record against Toronto.
City have won each of the last five meetings between the two sides, including a 3-1 success in this fixture last season.
New York City vs. Toronto FC betting picks and predictions
New York City to win + BTTS (+240)
Inconsistency has been NYC's biggest issue this season, but a third straight win would put them in a strong position after 18 games.
The hosts are 14 points behind leaders Nashville and, with the Leagues Cup group stage coming up at the start of August, this would be a good time to claim a big three points.
Jansen's squad have the attacking threat to give any team problems and are currently ranked 11th in the league for goals scored, with an average of 1.76 goals per game.
NYC - who finished fifth in the East last season - have scored in nine consecutive MLS matches, including five in their last two fixtures.
Meanwhile, it's now 11 games without a win for Toronto, with their last MLS success coming against Colorado on April 4.
Robin Fraser's men have also been struggling in front of goal, scoring just one goal in their last three matches and rank 21st in the goals scored stats.
A strike 10 minutes into stoppage time saw them lose 2-1 at DC United last week and recent head-to-head results against New York City don't make pretty reading.
It's five straight defeats for the Reds versus NYC and they have been beaten on their last four visits to New York.
It is also worth noting that there has been over 2.5 goals scored in four of the last five meetings between the two teams.
Nicolas Fernandez anytime goalscorer (+130)
Only two players have scored more MLS goals than Nicolas Fernandez this season, with the New York City star racking up 12 strikes in 17 appearances.
The Argentinian is in his second season in Major League Soccer and looks far more comfortable in his new surroundings.
Fernandez goes into this clash having scored in each of NYC's last three matches, including the opener in Sunday's win over Chicago.
The former Elche forward will feel confident of adding to his tally against a Toronto team that has leaked 31 goals in their 17 games this season.
Daniel Salloi - 3+ shots (+110)
One of the bright spots for Toronto so far this term is the form of Daniel Salloi, who only joined the franchise at the start of this season.
The Hungary international made over 200 appearances for Sporting Kansas City and despite his new team's disappointing campaign to date, has had an impact in Toronto.
Salloi, who is now a US citizen, has got four goals to his name so far this term and has an xG of 3.85 in his 17 appearances.
The 30-year-old ranks 36th in MLS for shots on target, with 15 so far, and has claimed five assists for the season to date.
New York City vs. Toronto FC odds
New York City | -150 |
Tie | +290 |
Toronto FC | +375 |
New York City vs. Toronto FC player props
Anytime goalscorer
Nicolas Fernandez (NY City) | +130 |
Hannes Wolf (NY City) | +162 |
Augustin Ojeda (NY City) | +210 |
Josh Sargent (Toronto FC) | +210 |
Arnau Farnos (NY City) | +275 |
Daniel Salloi (Toronto FC) | +350 |
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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.
