If you’re looking for MLS betting tips, here’s one for you. New York City FC play against Atlanta United and this match prediction can help you make the right betting choice. It should also help you figure out which of the two biggest favorites for winning the trophy will actually get a chance to do so in the final.
New York City FC
According to the bookies, New York City FC and Atlanta United are the biggest favorites for winning the MLS title this season. This means that the semifinal clash between these two is a sort of final before the final.
The first part of the semifinal doubleheader takes place at the stadium of New York City FC, the Yankees Stadium. This is the place where they lost only 2 games in 2018, so they’re considered the favorites in this match.
Of course, the home turf advantage isn’t the only reason why their chances of winning this game are high. The fact is that New York City FC have a pretty tough team, which is very strong in the final third. And how they wouldn’t be strong when they have David Villa in the attack. Legendary Spanish striker has scored 15 goals in 24 games, which makes him the team’s top scorer.
But, it’s not the attack that’s been their strongest point this season; it’s their defense. In the regular part of the season, they allowed 33 goals in 34 matches, which makes them the best defensive team in the whole of MLS. Unfortunately for them, the best attacking team is their next opponent, Atlanta United.
Atlanta United
Atlanta United finished the regular season on the second spot of the Eastern Conference, just behind New York City FC. The difference wasn’t large – 2 points – but it could’ve been worse. They played draw with NY New York City FC in both matches this season, even though they weren’t the better side in both of those games.
The match played in New York was dominated by New York City FC, while the one played at Atlanta’s stadium saw both teams having their fair share of chances. And those experiences need to worry Atlanta’s fans ahead of this game.
But, Atlanta United do have a fine squad. They have one of the best goalies in the league, Brad Guzan, as well as one of the most talented forwards in MLS, Josef Martinez. The Venezuelan attacker is one of the reasons why Atlanta United have scored so many goals this season.
This team has scored 70 goals in the regular part of the season, which is more than any other club. And Martinez has scored 31 of those, which puts him on the very top of the goal-scorers’ list. Their second-best scorer is also in the top 10 best scorers of the league. I’m talking about midfielder Miguel Almiron, who’s also one of the players with most assists in MLS.
Team News
New York City FC absentees:
- Cedric Hountondji (injury)
Atlanta United absentees:
- None (injury)
Possible Lineups
New York City FC
Johnson – Chanot, Callens, Tinnerholm, Sweat – Ring, Herrera, Moralez – Tajouri, Matarrita, Villa
Atlanta United
Guzan – Parkhurst, Gonzalez Pirez, Escobar, McCann – Nagbe, Remedi, Alcoron – Gressel, Barco, Martinez
New York City FC vs Atlanta United Prediction
This match seems destined to finish as a draw, but I still think a much better betting option is putting money on a large number of goals. I think we should see a lot of them, probably on both ends.
New York City FC vs Atlanta United Betting Tips
- BTS @1.52 (1XBet)
- Over 2.5 Goals @1.60 (1XBet)