The New York Mets dropped all seven meetings with the Chicago Cubs in the 2015 regular season before sweeping Chicago in four games in the NLCS. Their recent dominance in the series have extended to the new year, and I think the Mets can upset the Cubs and complete the sweep of this four-game series Sunday afternoon.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Mets hand the ball to Noah Syndergaard (8-3, 2.49) who gave up five runs in three innings and took the loss as the Mets fell 11-4 at Washington on Tuesday. Syndergaard is 4-1 with a 2.12 ERA in nine outings (eight starts) home at Citi Field this season though. The Cubs counter with Jon Lester (9-3, 2.03 ERA) who is is 2-0 with a 2.50 ERA in three career regular-season starts against the Mets, but he gave up four runs in 6 2/3 innings in a 4-2 loss at Citi Field in the NLCS last year.

2. Recent Trends - The Cubs are still sitting top of the NL Central division by quite some margin due to a hot start to the year. They've not been at their best lately though and they're 1-10 in their last 11 vs. a team with a winning record. The Mets on the other hand have won 10 of their past 11 games against teams with a winning % above .600.

3. X-Factor - The Cubs already have several key contributors on the DL and might have to do without Chris Coghlan who is considered day-to-day after leaving Saturday's game with soreness in his rib cage.

Selection: This is a play on the New York Mets +1.5 (8*)