Hudson River Derby: New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC Preview, Odds, Prediction

The game of the week in the MLS is the clash between the New York Red Bulls and the New York City FC. The Big Apple derby closes this round, and it will be highly interesting to see the outcome of this spectacle. The two sides are sitting next to one another in the standings, with the MLS Cup champions, NYCFC, having two points more than the local rivals and a game in hand. The champs finally showed signs of life following a disastrous form they got into following the switch in the head coaching position. Meanwhile, the Bulls are accelerating and want to take over after this event.

Preview

New York Red Bulls (+130) have two losses in the last nine games, six wins, and one draw. Over the previous six events, this unit posted four triumphs and is currently on a three-game unbeaten run. After beating Atlanta United at home, 2-1, and SKC on the road, 1-2, they played 1-1 in Cincinnati.

However, at home, the Bulls are unstoppable lately, with five consecutive victories. Prior to this streak, they had three draws in a row, and we might say that the Red Bull Arena in Harrison is a true stronghold.

What makes the Bulls’ fans confident ahead of this event is a fantastic attack, which scored 13 goals in those five wins, netting at least twice in each of the events. Lewis Morgan and the boys are doing an excellent job, with the Scot currently being the top scorer of the Bulls with nine goals.

New York City FC (+200) has Valentin Castellanos, the MLS top scorer at the moment with 12 hits. The Argentinian has been magnificent, and it is no wonder his name is on all the MVP shortlists. We can say that if it weren’t for the prolific striker, the Citizens would be in a much worse position.

Since Ronny Deila left, NYC struggled, and Nick Cushing found the perfect formula only in the last few games. After five disappointments in a row, two losses, and three draws, the MLS champs have won back-to-back events. The first was at home against New England Revs, 4-2.

After that, the Citizens were better on the road in Dallas, 0-1, showing their biggest quality from the start of the season, which was their defense. At certain points, it was impregnable, but in Cushing’s opening games, it was anything but solid.

Latest News

Lucas Monzon is out for the hosts.

Keaton Parks won’t play for NYCFC, while Anton Tinnerholm sits as questionable.

Head to Head Games

Less than a month ago, the Red Bulls defeated NYC in the US Open Cup, 3-0. Before that, they played in October 2021, with the Bulls winning that one as well, 1-0. Overall, the last three games had just one side netting, and three of the recent four had under 2.5 scores.

Prediction

This should be an even and very close game, in which we don’t expect to see too many goals. Our pick is a moderate efficiency, 2 or 3 scores with the odds on that set at +105.

Pick: 2 or 3 goals +105

Here are more MLS previews

• FC Dallas vs. Austin FC