York United vs. Forge FC – Canadian Premier League, Tuesday, November 9, 2021

The Canadian Premier League dishes up the second 905 Derby in the space of four days on Tuesday, November 9, as Forge FC returns to York Lions Stadium to face York United.

The Southern Ontario rivals clashed at the same venue on Saturday. Forge came out on top last time around, securing a well-deserved 2-1 victory.

Can the Nine Stripes gain their revenge on Tuesday? Or will the Hammers extend their lead at the top of the CPL standings?

Join me as I break down the 905 Derby odds, analyze both sides, and provide my prediction and betting pick for York United vs. Forge FC.

With the home-field advantage on their side, York United (2.70) is expected to put up a decent fight on Tuesday.

Still, all the best online soccer betting sites view Forge FC (2.10) as the favorite to claim back-to-back 905 Derby victories.

I have included the both teams to score market here, as this fixture invariably produces goals. In fact, five of the last seven meetings between these two sides have dished up at least two goals.

It’s time to take a closer look at the teams.

On Saturday, Diyaeddine Abzi gave York the lead midway through the first half. The 22-year-old took his tally for the 2021 CPL season to six goals and three assists in the process.

Unfortunately for Abzi – and his team – everything fell apart after the break.

Jimmy Brennan’s side ended up conceding two second-half goals and losing 2-1. Despite racking up 14 shots, they were unable to get the better of their local rival.

Brennan’s men have lost only two of their previous 13 CPL outings, registering four wins and seven draws along the way. Needless to say, they need to start turning draws into wins.

Although they can take confidence from the fact that they have won four of their past seven meetings with Forge, York hasn’t been able to reach their rival’s level this year.

The Hammers have already booked their spot in the playoffs. They find themselves level with second-place Cavalry on 47 points, but they have two games in hand over the Cavs.

Thanks to Saturday’s victory, Bobby Smyrniotis’ men have won nine of their previous 13 CPL matches – including three of their last four.

Mo Babouli (7 goals, 1 assist) and Woobens Pacius (6 goals, 2 assists) have been immense at the top end of the pitch this season, along with Tristan Borges (2 goals, 5 assists).

At the other end of the field, Triston Henry (8 shutouts) and Baj Maan (3 shutouts) have kept 11 clean sheets between them. Let’s not forget that Maan has only featured in five CPL games this year.

Thanks largely to their shot-stopping duo, the Hammers boast the best defensive record in the league. They have conceded just 21 goals in 25 matches – 15 goals less than York.

Ultimately, Forge passed York off the park on Saturday.

Smyrniotis’ men notched 487 passes and finished the game with an 86% pass accuracy. On the flip side, the Nine Stripes made 365 passes and ended up with a pass accuracy of 80%.

As a result, Forge enjoyed 57% possession and dominated large spells of the game.

I can see Tuesday’s clash producing a similar outcome. The Hammers flexed their muscles last time around – and I expect them to do the same this week.

Given the manner with which Forge dispatched York last time out, backing the Hammers at 2.10 makes perfect sense to me.

Smyrniotis’ side has been head and shoulders above York throughout 2021, so I’m confident that Forge will leave York Lions Stadium with all three points on Tuesday.

Not only have the Hammers outscored York this year, but they also boast a far superior defensive record. Their strength at both ends of the pitch should enable them to get the job done.