Nashville vs New York City MLS Preview & Picks - Nashville to triumph in MLS opener

Nashville come into the opening match of the season as the slight favourites to secure all three points, with New York City looking to get off the mark at the first time of asking. 

Last season, Nashville beat City 3-1 when they hosted this clash, with the return game ending 0-0.  

With the season yet to start, each and every side in the competition will be looking to begin the year with a win. Nashville have the chance to add to a 2022 season that gave them a lot to be proud of. 

34 matches saw the side win 13 games, while they lost 10 times, drawing the other 11 matches. With 52 goals scored they looked fairly good when going forward, although they were too leaky at the back, conceding 41 times. They will hope to lean on Hany Mukhtar again, with the German netting a league high 23 goals for Nashville. 

This year, they will be looking towards finishing higher in the league and giving a better account of themselves in the playoffs. Ultimately, they were beaten 1-0 by LA Galaxy in the first round, with their off season ending as quickly as it began. 

New York City arrive for this match targeting a win straight off the bat, although this will not be easy against a Nashville side that will look to draw on the home crowd in the opening game of the season. 

Last year, New York City managed to win 16 of their 34 regular season games, drawing seven times and losing 11 of their matches. With 57 goals scored and 41 conceded, they returned a similar goal difference to their next opponents. 

Last season, City were able to make it to the Conference Finals after beating Inter Miami (3-0) and Montreal (3-1), only to lose to Philadelphia. This season, they will be looking to take the next step and make it to the MLS Cup. The first step towards that is a win in their opening match.