Actually, Sky Blue is the old name. People should get used to the new brand NJ/NY Gotham FC. Just like they will have to get used to the fact that their Red Bull Arena is now named Sports Illustrated Stadium. The names may not be all that important. What is important is that on May 16 at 23:30 GMT, the local Bats will host the San Diego Wave for Round 9 of the NWSL.
The starting points
After 7 (for the hosts 8) rounds, we have the visitors on 3rd place with 13 points, 4 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses. 14 goals for, 9 goals against. Gotham are at 4th with 12 points, 12 scores and 8 conceded, 3 victories, 3 draws and 2 defeats. At first glance we have a quite notable difference in performance between the two sides.
However, San Diego will have to play at home against the Portland Thorns (now standing at 5th) on a match that is anything but easy. A loss or a draw at it, will give an extra incentive to Wave to go all out for the win. Initially, both teams look for the leading spot. They are just a step away from Kansas City and their 15 points.
It doesn’t look good for Gotham
That’s because they have managed to prevail over San Diego only after the last match they played (2-1). The previous two ended with the visitors walking out of the field with the 3 points (0-1 and 0-3). Another match that was held for the challenge cup, also ended in a victory for the visitors by 0-1. This head-to-head history points to a psychological advantage for San Diego. It also points to no more than 3 goals being scored in the encounters between these two.
Let’s wait to see what will happen on May 11 before we make our final deductions and give you our end of the bargain, which is the final recommendation for this match.
Update
A defeat for Gotham and a draw for San Diego, have shaped a new landscape in NWSL. Kansas City are still at the lead with 18 points, but Wave are now 4th instead of 3rd and the hosts have dropped to 7th instead of 4th. Which makes winning the confrontation between the two on May 16 an absolute must.
Just 2 points but a mountain
A victory for the hosts will mean overtaking the visitors and climbing all the way to 4th, even 3rd (they will have the same points as Washington). It does look like a very strong motive and probably this is why, along with the home field advantage, on the simple 1X2 market the prices are @1.78 for Gotham, @3.90 for San Diego and @3.73 for a draw.
However, we cannot completely discard that the motive for Wave is just as solid. A win will get them just a point behind the league leaders and a point above 2nd place Orlando Pride. Nevertheless, it’s more likely that Gotham will score once and not concede, than Wave not conceding. The chances are that the score will be 1-0.
We will not go that far on our suggestion to those of you who will choose to open an account at the best betting platform. However, we will increase your payout by choosing a -0.25 Asian Handicap for Gotham. They payout will be @1.90.