In-Form New York City FC Favored to See Off Toronto FC

MLS action continues on Saturday morning as New York City FC host Toronto FC. The gap between the two sides has been clear this season, with Toronto sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference and arriving in poor form, leaving them facing an uphill battle away from home.

New York City FC have collected 7 wins, 4 draws and 6 defeats from their league matches so far for a total of 25 points. With the standings tightly packed around them, they still need to keep pushing for victories. The encouraging sign is that their form has picked up recently, with back-to-back league wins, scoring at least two goals in each match. Alonso Martinez and Malachi Jones have both found the net during that run.

That renewed attacking sharpness has been central to New York City FC's recent success and is a major reason they can approach this match with confidence. Their home form has also been a real strength, averaging 2.44 goals per game in league matches on their own ground, with multiple players contributing in attack. Having already beaten Toronto FC in each of the last six meetings, New York City FC will be aiming for a third straight league win. Kevin O'Toole and Keaton Parks are among those unavailable through injury.

Toronto FC, by contrast, have won only 3 of their 17 league matches, a win rate of just 17.6%. They have been without an MLS victory since mid-April, and their negative goal difference has become a major problem. Away from home this season, Toronto FC have posted 1 win, 2 draws and 5 defeats in 8 league matches, averaging 0.75 goals scored and 1.63 conceded per game.

With their attack struggling and their defending offering little reassurance, Toronto FC remain stuck in a prolonged slump with no obvious signs of a turnaround. On paper, this trip looks extremely difficult. Derrick Etienne Jr. and M. Pereira are among the injured absentees.