MLS is Back Day 2 Odds & Picks: NYCFC vs Philadelphia & Montreal vs New England

• Day 2 of the MLS is Back Tournament will feature two exciting fixtures
• In Group A, NYCFC and Philadelphia will clash, while in Group B, New England and Montreal meet
• Get the full odds, preview, and best bet for these two matches below

After only one match was played on Wednesday due to complications from COVID-19, Thursday will be the first exciting day of games with four impressive teams out of the Eastern Conference all in action.

NYCFC is the favorite in Group A, but their first real test will be against a solid Philadelphia Union side. Thierry Henry’s Montreal Impact will also take on the New England Revolution as both teams look to do damage in Group B with the likes of Toronto FC and DC United alongside them.

MLS is Back Day 2 Odds

Odds taken July 8

New York City FC vs Philadelphia Union

Two of the Eastern Conference’s finest sides will clash on Thursday morning at 9:00 am EST in what profiles to be a very entertaining match. NYCFC will be looking to get started with a bang after losing their only two fixtures this season before action was postponed. They enjoyed a wonderful year in 2019 though, where they finished first in the East. But, Toronto FC spoiled their playoff run when they beat them on home soil in the Conference Semifinals.

Ronny Deila’s men come into this meeting with a completely healthy squad. They’re unbeaten in their last five matches against the Union when they’re the home team. However, it will feel like a mutual ground for both teams in Orlando.

Goals for breakfast ⚽️🥣

Get ready for #NYCFC's #MLSisBack opener vs. @PhilaUnion 👇📽️ pic.twitter.com/KriSIEh73w

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) July 7, 2020

Philly has a young and vibrant squad, topped off with a manager in Jim Curtin who has been in charge for a number of years. They also went winless in their first two matches back in March, losing to FC Dallas then tying LAFC in a wild 3-3 ending. The Union have a very deep squad in terms of quality and quantity, however, there are some injury concerns heading into this first match against NYCFC. Strikers Sergio Santos and Andrew Wooten are doubtful, which could give Philadelphia-born Jack de Vries an opportunity to feature up top beside Union star Kacper Przybylko, who led the team with 15 goals last season.

For both of these squads, they have clear strength in the final third. NYCFC striker Heber was a lethal finisher last year scoring 15 times, while Przybylko also bagged just as many goals. The heat in Orlando will surely play a part considering these two teams come from the East where they’re used to playing in colder weather. It’s going to be an exciting match though nevertheless, with the Union coming out on top by one goal.

Pick: Philadelphia Union +184

Montreal Impact vs New England Revolution

Two teams who are capable of reaching the knockout stages of this tournament will face off in an important first match on Thursday. They also know what to expect from one another, having butted heads in the opening match of the MLS season before COVID-19 came along, with the Impact grabbing three points in a 2-1 win over the Revolution.

Thierry Henry will be looking to get his managerial career in the MLS started on the right foot, but it will be no easy task within Group B. Toronto FC and DC United will pose a very real threat to Montreal, but in a tournament like this, anything is possible. The Impact enjoyed a solid start to the season though, securing four points through their two matches. Maxi Urruti was a pleasant surprise on the attack, scoring three goals in just two appearances. The hope is that he will continue that impressive form and lead Montreal to the knockout round.

The Revolution will be looking at their new number nine Adam Buksa to create havoc amongst the Impact backline. The youngster has an impressive track record from Poland’s top-flight and already got his name on the scoresheet with a goal back in March. The time off favored Bruce Arena’s side, giving star midfielder Carlos Gil the chance to recover from injury. A fully healthy squad will definitely benefit the Revolution, but Montreal will be looking for a similar result to their last meeting.

I do believe this will be a close match once again, but the Impact will come out on the winning end, with Urruti continuing his brilliance in the final third.

Pick: Montreal +240