New York City FC are looking to take back the top spot in the Eastern Conference. The club is sitting one point behind Atlanta United right now for the leading spot in the East, and they will be home for six of their next seven matches following this one.
A win would provide them some breathing room though. They will be taking on the Houston Dynamo, a team that is sitting in the middle of the pack in the Western Conference, so a win is a possibility. Winning on the road is always a dicey proposition in the MLS though.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from BBVA Compass Stadium at 8:55 p.m. ET on Friday, May 25, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on UniMas and Twitter.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
New York City FC +225
Houston Dynamo +112
Draw +283
Over/Under 3 and 3.5
Odds Analysis
The Dynamo have been a mixed bag at home this season. They are 3-2 at home with no draws and have won each of their last two games. There have been three goals or more in four of their five home tilts.
NYCFC have performed admirably on the road. They beat the top team in the West, Sporting Kansas City, on the road to kick off the season and are 2-3-2 away from home. That’s one of the better road records you will find in this league.
Recent Form
Last week, NYCFC hammered the Colorado Rapids 4-0 in a match they controlled the whole way. They had two-thirds of the possession and got a brace out of superstar David Villa. Ronald Matarrita and Maxi Moralez also found the back of the net in a comfortable win for NYCFC.
In Houston’s last match, there was plenty of action early on. The Dynamo saw Romell Quioto score in the fourth minute to give them a fast lead over the Chicago Fire. Chicago responded soon after with goals in the 14th and 16th minutes though to take the lead. In the second half, Alberth Ellis proved to be the difference maker. He scored in the 56th and 74th minute to provide the goals needed for the Dynamo to grab their first road win of the year.
Key Absences
NYCFC is unlikely to have central defender Maxime Chanot for this match. He has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury and has been hampered for almost all of this month. Chanot is the only player listed on the club’s injury list.
The Dynamo are not so fortunate. Houston has one of the longer injury lists in the MLS, and their back line has been hit exceptionally hard. Defender A.J. DeLaGarza is still recovering from an ACL tear suffered last year, and five other defenders have been ruled out as well. Philippe Senderos, Kevin Garcia, and Jared Watts have hamstring injuries, while George Malki has a left knee issue, and Dylan Remick is dealing with a concussion.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
NYCFC manager Patrick Vieira’s employment status hovers over this game. Vieira has been one of the hottest names in coaching. He has been rumored to be heading to a better job in Europe for the past month. While Arsenal is no longer an option, the speculation is that he has come to terms with Ligue 1 side Nice. Vieira has denied that there is a contract in place, but multiple outlets have reported it this week. This may be his last game with the club.
Although Vieira’s status is somewhat of a concern, go with NYCFC here. Houston’s problems at the back are enormous due to all the injuries, and the club has given up at least two goals in each of their last four games. That makes the over an enticing option as well.
Major League Soccer Odds: NYCFC 3, Houston Dynamo 1
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