Philadelphia Union vs New York City FC Prediction, Odds & Best Bet for MLS Match (Back the Home Team on Saturday)

The 2023 MLS season continues on Saturday with an intriguing showdown between the Philadelphia Union (11-4-7, 37 points) and New York City FC (5-11-7, 26 points).

Philadelphia vs NYCFC Match Info

2023 MLS Regular Season Game
Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC
Date: Saturday, July 15, 2023
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Subaru Park — Chester, PA
Coverage: Apple TV/ESPN+

One team in clear playoff positioning and one fighting to reach that kind of comfortability meet head-to-head in MLS action on Saturday. Philadelphia is coming off an exciting 2-0 win over Nashville SC on Wednesday, while New York City enters fresh off a 1-1 draw against the Columbus Crew on July 8.

Philadelphia vs NYCFC Odds & Spread

All MLS betting lines, odds and prop bets are from FanDuel Sportsbook.
Moneyline: PHI: (-140) | NYC: (+340) | Draw (+260)
Spread: PHI: -1 (+200) | NYC: +1 (+115)
Total: 2.5 – Over: (-128) | Under: (+104)
Team to Score the First Goal: PHI: (-200) | NYC: (+180) I NO GOALS: (+1200)

Philadelphia enters this contest as the clear home favorite on FanDuel Sportsbook's odds. This 7:30 p.m. ET clash also features an over/under of 2.5 goals with the Over favored at -128 odds.

Philadelphia vs NYCFC Betting Trends

- Philadelphia defeated New York City 3-1 in the most recent matchup on May 27.
- Philadelphia sits fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 11-4-7 (W-D-L) record in 2023.
- New York City sits 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 5-11-7 (W-D-L) record in 2023.
- Philadelphia is 2-1-2 (W-D-L) in its last five matches.
- New York City is 1-4-0 (W-D-L) in its last five matches.

Philadelphia vs NYCFC Prediction & Pick

These two teams have had very different seasons. The Union have found their groove once again after making it to the MLS Final last year, ranking fifth in goals scored (37). Meanwhile, New York City has struggled to create any kind of consistency as its -4 goal differential leaves a lot to be desired.

The biggest difference comes on the defensive side of the pitch, though. The Union have excelled at stealing possession and lead MLS in interceptions (261). New York City's aggressiveness is proving to be too much, as it ranks only 28th in interceptions (168) but is third in yellow cards (60).

Philly has posted a 7-2-1 (W-D-L) record at home and should be able to efficiently pick apart NYCFC.

Final Score Prediction: Philadelphia: 2 | NYCFC: 1

Philadelphia vs NYCFC Best Bet

Those feeling risky can back the Union along the spread here, but I'll play it safe and take the -140 moneyline odds. Not only has Philly been dominant at home this season, but it has been dominant against New York City in the past. The Union have won four straight matches against NYCFC by a combined score of 10-3. That includes a 3-1 road victory over NYCFC earlier in this campaign.

Bet: Philadelphia Union ML (-140)

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.