Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC – MLS, May 1, 2021

Philadelphia has made a slow start to the 2021 MLS campaign, picking up just one point from a possible six so far. However, the reigning Supporters’ Shield winners flexed their muscles in a 3-0 CCL victory over Atlanta United in midweek.

Jim Curtin’s men will aim to secure their first MLS win of the season when New York City visits PPL Park on Saturday, May 1. But that won’t be easy, as NYCFC heads into Week 3 on the back of a 5-0 thrashing of FC Cincinnati.

After looking at the odds and analyzing the teams, I will share my Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC prediction and pick.

As expected, Philadelphia (2.15) heads into Saturday’s showdown as the bookmakers’ favorite, although the big price for the home win suggests that New York City (3.10) won’t make life easy for the U.

Right off the bat, I like the look of the tasty odds for the draw (3.10). But let’s take a closer look at both sides before making a Union vs. NYCFC prediction.

Following a hard-fought goalless draw with Columbus on the opening weekend, Philly was expected to make light work of Inter Miami.

When Jamiro Monteiro gave the Union the lead against the Herons, everything was going to plan. But the Higuain brothers combined to score two late goals for Miami – handing Curtin’s men their first defeat of the season.

Kacper Przybylko bagged a brace as Philadelphia crushed Atlanta 3-0 in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final. The Polish striker now sits on four goals and two assists in five appearances in all competitions this year.

Ultimately, Tuesday’s performance reminded everyone of the Union’s undeniable quality.

On the topic of undeniable quality, New York City hammered Cincinnati 5-0 last weekend.

Granted, Cincy is arguably the worst team in Major League Soccer at the moment. But the manner with which Ronny Deila’s men dispatched the Ohio outfit was hugely impressive.

Jesus Medina scored a double, Gudmundur Thorarinsson opened his account for 2021, while Valentin Castellanos netted for the second time in two games. Nick Hagglund also scored an own goal – compounding Cincy’s woes.

The Pigeons suffered a shock 2-1 loss to DC United on the opening weekend, but they wasted no time in getting their first win of the campaign on the board.

If Deila’s men bring the same intensity to PPL Park, Philly could struggle to pick up their first MLS victory of the 2021 season on Saturday.

Having bounced back in style on Tuesday, Philadelphia will be confident of overcoming New York City. However, it is important to remember that Deila’s men secured an emphatic victory over their own last time out.

While it will be difficult for the visitors to claim all three points in Philly, I can see them frustrating the Union. For that reason, the draw is my Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC betting pick.