There is one match in the MLS on Thursday night and it comes from the Big Apple as the in-form New York City FC host the new franchise Minnesota United in a cross-conference clash at Yankee Stadium.
A win for Patrick Vieira’s men would see them close in on the top two in the Eastern Conference while Minnesota will be eager for the win themselves to move to within a point of the play-off spots.
New York City FC
Confidence should be high for the men in sky blue after they were victorious in the New York derby at the Red Bull Arena last weekend. That made it three wins on the bounce for New York City and they look to be hitting form at just the right time as we move into the second half of the regular season.
New York are in a rich vein of form in front of goal at the minute although that should come as no surprise given that they have one of the best forwards in the league in their set up in David Villa. They have scored two or more in five of their last six matches and in a league where goals are necessary it is serving them well.
Minnesota United
After just two goals in four matches prior to last week, the Loons have scored five goals in their last two matches and have been unbeaten in them both although they had to come from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Vancouver at the weekend. That wasn’t a result which pleased their coach so there could be a reason here.
There will need to be though because while Minnesota are unbeaten in their last two matches they are still looking for a first away win as a Major League Soccer franchise and not many leave Yankee Stadium with a win. Only Orlando City have done that this season which highlights the size of the task ahead.
Team News
New York City are set to be without their diminutive playmaker Maximiliano Moralez which means Thomas McNamara could get the free role again. Khiry Shelton is definitely out.
Minnesota have something of an injury crisis going on at the minute which isn’t helpful. Bernardo Anor, Marc Burch, Vadim Demidov and Brent Kallman are all out of this match.
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Betting
While I think New York City will win this match and I fancy a few goals the lines and prices make this a no bet match for me. The Asian line is -1.25 for NYC with the price a little short. To get a decent price you need to take the -1.5 and with this being a midweek match that doesn’t interest me.
It is the same with the goals too. The line is 3.25 moving towards 3.5 and again with these midweek matches often displaying a lack of intensity I’m just not tempted to push the boat out ahead of a busy weekend so I’ll sit this one out.
Tips
No Bet
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