MLS playoffs: CF Montreal vs. New York City FC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s CF Montreal vs. New York City FC Eastern Conference semifinal odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

CF Montreal welcomes New York City FC (NYCFC) to Saputo Stadium Sunday for the 2nd Eastern Conference semifinal match. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the CF Montreal vs. New York City FC odds, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The winner will face Philadelphia Union in the Eastern final Oct. 30.

CF Montreal comes into this game following a 1st-round win over Orlando City 2-0. Montreal netted both of its shots on target and limited Orlando just to 5 shots and none on target.

CF Montreal faced NYCFC twice this season, losing 4-1 in and drawing the other. Montreal scored a conference-high 63 goals for a 1.85 goals-per-game average.

NYCFC was tied with the Crew and Red Bulls for the 2nd-fewest goals allowed in the East. That was its strength this season. F Valentín Castellanos led the team in scoring this season but is no longer with the club.

NYCFC kicked off its postseason with a 3-0 win over David Beckham’s Inter Miami. It ended the match with 27 shots and didn’t concede despite allowing Miami 12 shots.

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CF Montreal vs. New York City FC odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 12:15 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: CF Montreal +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | NYCFC +245 (bet $100 to win $245) | Draw +250
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -120 | U: -101)

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Prediction

CF Montreal 2, NYCFC 1

Moneyline (ML)

BET CF MONTREAL (+105).

CF Montreal is on absolute fire right now, having won 12 of its last 16. It made easy work of a solid Orlando City team and won 9 of 17 home games during the regular season.

Montreal also has far more scoring options as 3 players netted 9 or more goals while not a single player on the current NYCFC had 9 or more this season.

Also, while New York did draw a match and win the other against Montreal during the regular season, CF Montreal had more expected goals in both games, even the 4-1 loss.

NYCFC had 8 road losses in 17 games as well, so it hasn’t been that good away from home this season.

Considering it all, BACK CF MONTREAL (+105).

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN OVER 2.5 (-120).

NYCFC has gone over this total in 3 straight games and in 6 of their last 9. While typically playoff goals are harder to come by, both clubs scored at least 2 goals in their postseason opener.

Montreal has gone over this total in 8 of its last 13 matches as well. Almost averaging 2 goals per game, their attack has been their strength this season, and at home, it should continue to be.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

The New York Red Bulls (9 wins, 5 losses, 6 draws) welcome NYCFC (10-4-5) to Red Bull Arena Sunday. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

New York City FC sits 2nd in the Eastern Conference, 4 points back and 2 games behind the Philadelphia Union. Having allowed just 21 goals, NYCFC is tied for the 2nd-best defense in the East. They’re tied with the Red Bulls.

While NYCFC has been unstoppable at home, they have won just 3 of 8 road matches with a 3-3-2 away record. NYCFC is led by F Valentín Castellanos with 12 goals this season.

The Red Bulls are led by 25-year-old Scottish F Lewis Morgan, who has 9 goals. Four other players have scored at least 3.

New York is 3-2-4 at home this season, also relying heavily on its elite defense. The Red Bulls didn’t play well against NYCFC last season, posting  a 0-2-1 record. This will be the 1st of just 2 meetings this season (next match is Sept. 17).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:32 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: New York Red Bulls +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | NYCFC +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Draw +255
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -125 | U: +100)

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Prediction

NYCFC 2, New York Red Bulls 1

Money line (ML)

BET NYCFC +180.

The Red Bulls have a solid record, but their recent performances haven’t lived up to standard. They should’ve lost to FC Cincinnati but were saved by a penalty kick. They beat Sporting KC 1-0 in their 2nd-to-last game despite having fewer expected goals.

Their last 3 games have been to teams in the East outside of the playoff picture, and their only game of the season at home against a playoff team was a 2-1 loss to Montreal.

NYCFC has won 2 of their last 3 matches, doubling their opponents’ expected goals in 2 of the 3 matches. They’ve also won 3 of their last 5 road matches.

NYCFC is a formidable side that has had 6 shutouts in their last 11 games. They should be able to get the best of the Red Bulls Sunday.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN OVER 2.5 (-125).

NYCFC has had 1 of the best defenses in the MLS, but it hasn’t been at the same level as of late and that should concern bettors. They’ve allowed 10 goals in their last 5 matches.

In those 5 matches, they’ve scored 12, so their offense has been red-hot lately, something to also consider. The Red Bulls have scored 11 goals in their last 4 matches.

They’ve also allowed over a goal per match despite being one of the East’s better defensive teams. With both teams reeling defensively and thriving offensively, I’ll take the Over 2.5 (-125) here.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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