New York City FC vs. Atlanta United – MLS, Sunday, November 21, 2021

New York City FC and Atlanta United face off in the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs after finishing the regular season locked on 51 points in the Eastern Conference.

Needless to say, this is destined to be a close game between two evenly matched teams.

NYCFC heads into the postseason on a five-game unbeaten streak, while the Five Stripes have avoided defeat in each of their previous six outings.

Below, I attempt to foresee the outcome of Sunday’s showdown. After looking at the odds and analyzing teams, I share my New York City FC vs. Atlanta United prediction and betting pick.

As you can see, the top Major League Soccer sportsbooks view New York City FC (1.67) as the obvious favorite to win this one, leaving Atlanta United (4.75) as the clear outsider.

Of course, Ronny Deila’s men have the home-field advantage on Sunday. But you would be foolish to write off the Five Stipes altogether.

In actual fact, I really like the look of the giant price for the away win at first glance. Before we settle on a prediction for New York City vs. Atlanta United, let’s take a closer look at the teams.

It wouldn’t be unfair to say that New York City FC has been one of the most inconsistent teams in Major League Soccer this year.

The Boys in Blue have produced plenty of standout performances across the course of the season, but they have also endured lengthy winless runs and several dips in form.

A large portion of those goals was scored by Valentin Castellanos, who recently clinched the Golden Boot. The Argentine DP has bagged 19 goals and eight assists in MLS this year.

Having netted six goals in his previous four appearances, Castellanos is one of several elite players who could decide the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Alongside Castellanos, Jesus Medina (9 goals, 2 assists) and Maxi Moralez (3 goals, 11 assists) have also shone throughout the campaign. The lethal trio has the ability to expose any defense in the league.

Still, the fact that Deila’s men have kept just three clean sheets in their last 14 games is a cause for concern. Let’s not forget that Atlanta also has a deadly forward line.

Atlanta’s mid-season managerial change has proven to be an excellent decision. Gonzalo Pineda replaced Gabriel Heinze in August, and the club hasn’t looked back since.

Across the final 15 regular-season matches, only New England picked up more points than Atlanta in the East. Pineda’s side took 30 points from a possible 45, conceding just 12 goals in the process.

Josef Martinez has played a key role in the club’s resurgence. The Venezuelan striker has netted ten goals in his last 15 appearances, underlining his ability.

With Marcelino Moreno (9 goals, 5 assists), Ezequiel Barco (7 goals, 6 assists), and Luiz Araujo (4 goals, 3 assists) supporting Martinez, Atlanta is capable of blowing away any MLS opponent.

If the 2018 MLS Cup champions play their cards right, they could find themselves in the latter stages of the postseason once again.

With prolific forwards on both sides, New York City and Atlanta United are destined to produce a memorable encounter at Yankee Stadium.

But who will come out on top?

Ultimately, there is very little between these teams at the moment. That said, the Five Stripes have been one of the most consistent teams in the league over the past few months.

For that reason, I can see Atlanta edging out New York City on Sunday.

The Five Stripes have played some excellent soccer in recent weeks. With that in mind, odds of 4.75 for the away win seem too good to miss.

Don’t get me wrong, I expect New York City to put up a decent fight. But if Pineda’s men bring their A-game to Yankee Stadium, they will be able to overcome NYCFC.

If you’re wagering on the MLS playoffs, make sure you check out my other match previews below.