MLS: New York Red Bulls vs. Nashville SC Preview, Odds, Prediction

New York Red Bulls and Nashville SC will clash in the first MLS match after the international break. This is a very important meeting because both sides are trying to reach the playoff zone in the Eastern Conference. Nashville is currently at the last position, which leads into the postseason, but is under heavy pressure coming from other rivals. Meanwhile. The Bulls are two points away, seeking their opportunity to make a push and reach into the promised land. This game might be exactly what they are looking for. 

Preview 

New York Red Bulls (+120) has nine points in seven games, winning on three occasions and losing four times, with a total goal-difference of 10 allowed and conceded goals. 

The team from the Big Apple is playing in waves. They’ve opened the season poorly, suffering two defeats, then bounced back with the same number of wins before losing twice in a row again. Their latest game was at home, against Orlando City at home, and it ended 2-1 for the Bulls. 

What is noticeable is that they play much better at their Red Bull Arena at Harrison, where they currently have three wins in a row, in each one scoring twice. The best players of this unit are forward Fabio, who has four assists so far, and the 18-year old breakthrough, Caden Clark, who managed to score four goals so far, indicating fantastic potential.

Nashville SC (+210) didn’t lose a single game since the start of the campaign, but on the other hand, they haven’t been winning that often either. Gary Smith’s boys have two wins and five draws, scoring nine and conceding six goals. 

They play hard football without too many goals, especially lately. Until meeting Atlanta United in the last MLS round, four of Nashville’s previous events concluded with under 2.5 goals, and both teams not scoring. 

We also need to point out that this club has played five matches at home so far this season and that they haven’t been adequately tested on the road. The only two games played away from home saw a goalless contest in Salt Lake against Real, 0-0, and a draw in Atlanta, 2-2.

Latest News

So far, there haven’t been any important updates regarding the conditions of players on both sides. However, if there are some, we will additionally mention that here. 

Head to Head Games

There haven’t been any official matches between NYRB and Nashville so far. This one will be the first one in their history.

Prediction

On one side, we have the Red Bulls, who are playing very well at home, and utilize the home-court advantage in the best possible way. On the other, the guests are ultra-defensive in these types of situations and be sure that it won’t be different here as well. 

After evaluating all the circumstances, our conclusion is to bet on moderate efficiency, meaning 2 or 3 goals. Right now, the odds on that are -105, and we find that pretty good. Even though many believe that it would be best to bet on Red Bulls’ victory, we think that this pick is safer. 

Pick: Moderate efficiency, 2 or 3 goals