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The Philadelphia Phillies host the Chicago Cubs on Monday to start off the games for the final week of the regular season. The two National League opponents met in July, with the Phillies taking two out of three games on the road in Chicago.
Phillies vs. Cubs recent form and records
The Phillies head into the game after a tough four-game series against the New York Mets. They are 4-6 in their last 10 games and are yet to clinch the NL East, with the Mets being 5.0 games behind.
The Cubs were eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday, falling seven games behind the last NL Wild Card spot. Nevertheless, they will look to have a winning season, currently sporting a 80-76 record.
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Players to watch
Starting Pitchers
Aaron Nola (12-8, 3.54 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 183 SO) vs. Justin Steele (5-5, 3.03 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 132 SO)
Nola seems to have gotten back in form in his last start against Brewers after earning 11 runs in nine innings in the previous two.
Last Start: vs. Brewers, 7.0 innings pitched, 3 hits, 1 earned run, 1 walk, 9 strikeouts
Career vs. Cubs: 6-2, 4.69 ERA, 66 strikeouts in nine appearances
Justin Steele will return to the mound for the next time after being placed on the 15-day IL at the start of this month.
Last Start: vs. Athletics, 2.2 innings pitched, 2 hits, 0 earned runs, 3 walks, 1 strikeout
Career vs. Phillies: 1-0, 0.82 ERA, 8 strikeouts in 2 appearances
Must Watch Hitters
Phillies
Kyle Schwarber has had a strong month of September, with a .316 average and 1.061 OPS heading into the last week. Trea Turner is batting 12-for-41 in his last 10 games.
Cubs
Pete Crow-Armstrong has hit 9-for-34 in the last 10 games, along with three walks. Michael Busch, meanwhile, has hit nine RBIs including four home runs during the same stretch.
Phillies vs. Cubs Betting Odds
Phillies vs. Cubs expert picks and Prediction
The Phillies definitely need a win more than their opponents. Even though lastest results haven't gone in their favour, their 52-26 home record could be a factor when the Cubs turn up to Citizens Bank Park.
Although Aaron Nola will have his work cut out with the Cubs lineup, batting at .285 in their last 10 games.
Runline: Under 1.5
Total Runs: Under 8 runs
Prediction: Phillies 4-2 Cubs
