Charlotte vs New York City FC Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this Eastern Conference clash between Charlotte and New York City FC. Both sides finished the regular season locked together near the top, and they've already faced off twice in recent weeks - a 0-0 draw followed by a 1-0 NYCFC win. If those matches are anything to go by, we might be in for another tight, tactical battle.

Charlotte have been solid as a rock at home this season, winning 67% of their home games and keeping a whopping 60% clean sheets overall. They've got a proper defensive setup, conceding just 0.8 goals per game over their last 10 matches. The only issue? They don't exactly fill the net at the other end, averaging just 1.1 goals per game. Recent results show they can shut out the big boys - they kept clean sheets against Philadelphia Union (2-0) and Inter Miami (3-0), but also had that shocker against CF Montreal where they shipped four.

NYCFC, on the other hand, are a bit more gung-ho. They score more (1.4 per game) but also let more in (1.4 per game). What's interesting is their away form - they've actually won 75% of their last four away games, which is proper impressive. They've had Charlotte's number recently too, winning two of the last three meetings.

Looking at the stats, both teams are in a low-scoring groove. Charlotte's last three matches have all gone under 2.5 goals, and the same goes for NYCFC. The head-to-head record tells a similar story - only two of their nine meetings have seen over 2.5 goals. When you consider Charlotte's defensive solidity and the fact both teams just played out a 0-0 draw, you get the feeling this could be another cagey affair.

The bookies have got the Under 2.5 at 2.00, which seems about right given what we're seeing. Sometimes the best bet is the simple one, and all signs point to goals being at a premium here.