New York City FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 October 2025

As we head into the final round of Major League Soccer’s regular season, all eyes are on the clash at Citi Field between New York City FC and the Seattle Sounders FC. Scheduled for 23:00 on 18 October 2025, this match could significantly impact the playoff standings.

NYCFC, under the guidance of Pascal Jansen, currently sit 9th with 56 points. Their recent form has been quite mixed, with a WWLWL record in their last five matches. Alonso Martinez, the team’s top scorer, will look to add to his 17 goals this season.

Seattle Sounders, led by Brian Schmetzer, are not far behind in 13th place with 52 points. They’ve shown resilience in their last five games, boasting an LLDWW form. Danny Musovski, their top striker with 14 goals, will be crucial to their attack.

Given the goal-scoring trends of both teams and their defensive records, a bet on Both Teams to Score (BTTS) looks promising. Expect an attacking encounter, especially with NYCFC known for their potent offense. Weather in New York might also play a role, so keep an eye on that as game day approaches.

New York City FC vs Seattle Sounders FC Prediction & Betting tip

This MLS clash between New York City FC and Seattle Sounders FC sets up as a highly competitive encounter, showcasing attacking talent from both sides.

• NYCFC’s potent attack, led by Alonso Martinez and his 17 goals this season, ensures they are likely to find the net.
• Seattle Sounders, with Danny Musovski, who has netted 14 goals, also pose a significant offensive threat.
• Both teams have been inconsistent defensively lately, making a clean sheet for either side unlikely.

In light of these factors, the recommended bet is for both teams to score. Confidence is high given the goal-scoring trends and the stakes in this final round matchup.

New York City FC vs Seattle Sounders FC Odds

The odds for this thrilling Major League Soccer encounter between New York City FC and Seattle Sounders FC reflect how evenly matched these teams are. Bookmakers have made NYCFC slight favorites, which is understandable given their home advantage and slightly better form.

The close odds for both a win and a draw highlight the competitive nature of this fixture. NYCFC’s home form and Alonso Martinez’s scoring prowess give them an edge, but Seattle’s attacking threats mean they’re not to be underestimated. Considering the high-stakes nature of this final round and each team’s attacking potential, it’s set to be a fascinating contest.

New York City FC Team Analysis

New York City FC Recent Performance

• Recent Matches:
  • Philadelphia Union 1 – 0 New York City FC (2025-10-04)
  • New York Red Bulls 2 – 3 New York City FC (2025-09-27)
  • New York City FC 0 – 4 Inter Miami CF (2025-09-24)
  • New York City FC 2 – 0 Charlotte FC (2025-09-20)
  • New York City FC 3 – 2 Columbus Crew (2025-09-17)

New York City FC has had an erratic run of form lately, summarized as WWLWL in their last five matches. Despite this inconsistency, they sit 9th in the standings with 56 points, largely thanks to their solid home performances.

NYCFC has averaged 1.60 goals per game in their previous five outings, showing they can find the back of the net. However, with only one clean sheet in that period, the defense has not been as robust. Under the helm of Pascal Jansen, the team will look to tighten up at the back while continuing their offensive dynamism with key players like Alonso Martinez leading the charge.

New York City FC Key Players

New York City FC’s attack relies heavily on their top scorer, Alonso Martinez, who has bagged 17 goals this season. Martinez’s ability to find the net will be crucial, particularly in breaking down Seattle’s defensive lines.

Key to NYCFC’s midfield dynamism is Maxi Moralez. His creativity and vision have been essential in linking the play, and he remains a chief provider of scoring opportunities for Martinez.

Here’s the expected lineup for New York City FC:

• Goalkeeper: Matt Freese
• Defenders: Tayvon Gray, Raul Gustavo, Thiago Martins, Justin Haak, Kevin O’Toole
• Midfielders: Hannes Wolf, Andrés Perea, Maxi Moralez, Nicolas Fernandez Mercau
• Forward: Alonso Martínez

With Martinez against Seattle’s defenders, such as Alex Roldan and Jackson Ragen, pivotal individual battles will shape the outcome.

New York City FC Suspensions & Injuries

New York City FC faces a few injury concerns but no suspensions heading into this crucial match. The absence of Malachi Jones, Keaton Parks, and Nico Cavallo—all nursing leg injuries—could impact their squad depth. Fortunately, all three players are expected to return later in October, but they’ll miss this decisive encounter.

Their midfield might feel the pinch without Parks, a vital cog in breaking up play and initiating attacks. NYCFC will need other players to step up to fill these gaps. However, their attack remains intact, which is good news for Alonso Martinez and his goal-scoring prowess.

New York City FC Tactics and Formation

New York City FC will likely adopt a flexible yet robust 5-4-1 formation under Pascal Jansen, featuring a solid backline with an emphasis on wing-backs adding width to their attack.

NYCFC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-4-1
• Key Forward: Alonso Martinez, who has scored 17 goals this season, will spearhead the attack.
• Midfield Presence: Hannes Wolf and Maxi Moralez will be crucial in controlling the midfield and providing creative support.
• Defensive Organization: Despite just one clean sheet in their last five games, their defensive setup will aim to stifle Seattle’s offensive threats.
• Attacking Strategy: Focused on leveraging Alonso Martinez’s finishing ability and exploiting the wings through their dynamic wing-backs.

This setup allows NYCFC to be defensively solid while quickly transitioning into threatening attacks, making them a potent force at home.

Seattle Sounders FC Team Analysis

Seattle Sounders FC Recent Performance

• Recent Matches:
  • Seattle Sounders FC 1 – 0 Real Salt Lake (2025-10-12)
  • Seattle Sounders FC 1 – 0 Portland Timbers (2025-10-05)
  • Seattle Sounders FC 2 – 2 Vancouver Whitecaps (2025-09-28)
  • Austin FC 2 – 1 Seattle Sounders FC (2025-09-21)
  • Inter Miami CF 3 – 1 Seattle Sounders FC (2025-09-16)

Seattle Sounders FC have had a mixed bag of results recently, with an LLDWW record in their last five matches, indicating a resurgence in their form with back-to-back wins.

Sitting 13th in the standings with 52 points, the Sounders have shown an average goal-scoring rate of 1.20 in their last five games while securing two clean sheets in that span. Their defense seemed to have tightened up recently, which has been instrumental in their victories. However, they will need their key players like Danny Musovski, who has scored 14 goals this season, to be at their best to ensure a positive result against NYCFC.

Seattle Sounders FC Key Players

Seattle Sounders FC will heavily rely on their top scorer, Danny Musovski, who has netted 14 goals this season. His ability to break through defenses will be a crucial asset against NYCFC’s backline. Another key figure is Jesus Ferreira, whose creativity will be essential in setting up goals for Musovski.

Defensively, Stefan Frei remains a pivotal player in goal, offering stability and experience. The return of Kalani Kossa-Rienzi and Alex Roldan in defense will also be critical in containing NYCFC’s attacking threats.

Here’s the expected lineup for Seattle Sounders FC:

• Goalkeeper: Stefan Frei
• Defenders: Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Alex Roldan, Jackson Ragen, Nouhou Tolo
• Midfielders: Obed Vargas, Cristian Roldan, Pedro De la Vega, Jesus Ferreira, Paul Rothrock
• Forward: Jordan Morris

The midfield battle featuring Cristian Roldan and Maxi Moralez will be vital in dictating the game’s tempo.

Seattle Sounders FC Suspensions & Injuries

Seattle Sounders FC are dealing with several injury issues heading into this critical match, although they have no suspensions to worry about. Key players like Paul Arriola are out with a cruciate ligament injury and are not expected back until late November.

Additionally, Ryan Kent (hamstring), Yeimar Gomez (muscle), and Kee-Hee Kim (calf) are nursing injuries but are hopeful for a return later in October or early November.

These absences in the defensive and midfield areas could potentially disrupt their game plan, putting added pressure on the rest of the squad to compensate. Brian Schmetzer will need to shuffle his lineup to cover these crucial gaps, impacting their overall team balance.

Seattle Sounders FC Tactics and Formation

Seattle Sounders FC is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation under Brian Schmetzer, focusing on a balanced approach between attack and defense.

Seattle Sounders FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Jordan Morris, supported by attacking midfielder Jesus Ferreira
• Midfield Key Players: Obed Vargas and Cristian Roldan doubling as holding midfielders, providing a defensive shield
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in their last five games signal a more organized backline recently
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on controlling possession and quick transitions, looking to exploit spaces through the wings

Seattle’s setup will aim to leverage their defensive solidity while providing enough support to their attacks, particularly through wide players like Paul Rothrock and Pedro De la Vega.

New York City FC vs Seattle Sounders FC Head-to-Head Statistics

Recent encounters between New York City FC and Seattle Sounders FC have shown a balanced yet competitive rivalry.

• 2022-04-14: New York City FC 1 – 1 Seattle Sounders FC (CONCACAF Champions League)
• 2022-04-07: Seattle Sounders FC 3 – 1 New York City FC (CONCACAF Champions League)
• 2019-07-03: New York City FC 3 – 0 Seattle Sounders FC (Major League Soccer)
• 2018-07-29: Seattle Sounders FC 3 – 1 New York City FC (Major League Soccer)
• 2017-06-17: New York City FC 2 – 1 Seattle Sounders FC (Major League Soccer)

Based on these results, both teams have had moments of dominance, with NYCFC winning two and drawing one of their three home fixtures. The Sounders have shown resilience, securing wins in their home encounters and maintaining competitiveness away. With both teams showing offensive prowess, another tightly contested matchup is likely.

Odds accurate as of 16.10.2025 23:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.