MLS: Austin FC vs. New York Red Bulls Preview, Odds, Prediction

Austin FC and the New York Red Bulls clash on Sunday night at the Q2 Stadium in Texas. Both teams are trying to get the top spots in their respective conferences and avoid the first round of the playoffs, which would significantly make things easier in the postseason. Austin is one of the biggest surprises of the year, while on the other hand, we’ve expected to see the Bulls in the position where they currently are. This should be an interesting and challenging clash, which is the reason why we picked it for a preview. 

Preview

Austin FC (+162) is without a loss for the past seven games, winning five of them and posting two draws. The most recent clash this unit has was the state derby against FC Dallas, which ended 1-1.

Prior to that one, Austin posted four straight triumphs, beating Charlotte, Colorado, and Atlanta United on the road, before rolling over Houston Dynamo at home, 3-1. In those four events, they scored 10 times, proving a wonderful form upfront. 

Austin wasn’t playing well at home over the past two months. The win over Houston was the first after four consecutive appearances in front of their own fans. Two saw draws, and two ended with the rivals’ success, and that is the main reason why this crew isn’t ahead of LAFC in the West standings. 

New York Red Bulls (+160) sit third in the East, and come into this event after two games in which they haven’t won. One was in Cincinnati, 1-1, and the other at home against the local rivals, the NYCFC, 0-1, in an MLS episode of a Hudson Derby. 

The Bulls played tough games recently, and they have an approach that is more or less relying upon defense. When we look at the results, there is a confirmation of our claims. 

Six of the previous nine games were with just one side netting, and four of the past five had two goals at most. It is the same on the road, where the last six ended with under 2.5 scores. By the way, NYRB is not playing well away from home, winning just once during those six outings. 

Latest News

For the moment, Jhojan Valencia and Freddy Kleeman have been the only players absent from Austin.

AJ Marcucci is out for the guests, while Wikelman Carmona remains questionable for appearing in the protocol. 

Head to Head Games

This is the first head-to-head meeting between these two sides. The reason for that is Austin FC’s short history in the MLS.

Prediction

The home team has been ferocious in recent times, and for the moment, they might be the most enjoyable team to watch in the MLS. Austin dictates a fast tempo, likes to attack, and is always aggressive no matter the result and the circumstances. As for the Red Bulls, their performances at home and on the road are pretty different. We can’t say that the Bulls play badly on the road, but they aren’t shinnying as well. That is why we take the home team’s win as the final suggestion for this event. 

Pick: Austin FC wins +162

 

Here is the preview for SKC vs. LAFC game.