MLS: New York Red Bulls vs. Atlanta United Preview, Odds, Prediction

Thursday night brings an interesting MLS clash in New York, where Red Bulls host Atlanta United. The Bulls are fourth in the East, but only three points behind the leaders, Philadelphia Union. Meanwhile, Atlanta is 10th in the conference, four points behind Cincinnati FC but with a game in hand. Neither side plays some terrific soccer these days, but we can say that the Bulls are in a bit better form. That is why the bookmakers see them as the favorites.

Preview

New York Red Bulls (-166) lost their latest encounter, which was against LAFC in Los Angeles, 2-0. Yet, nobody can give any remarks on that because the Bulls played against the best team in the league right now and the leaders in the standings.

Before that, Gerhard Stuber’s unit had a good run of four wins in five games. They beat the local rivals and the reigning MLS champions, New York City FC, in the US Open Cup, 3-0, which is a big boost for these boys.

In all of those four victories, the Bulls have scored at least two or more goals, while on the other side, the latest three defeats for Stuber’s unit came with the same result, 2-0. A very positive thing for the Bulls is the fact that they didn’t lose in the last seven home games and that the previous four were all victories, in which they’ve scored twice or more.

Atlanta United (+360) has just one triumph over the latest five MLS clashes. That was against Inter Miami at home on June 19, 2-0. On the very next weekend, NYRB lost 2-1 in Toronto against FC.

What is characteristic of this team is very efficient soccer, with only one game in the last ten ending without three or more hits. Furthermore, the same is with both teams netting, and it isn’t odd to see Atlanta concede and score multiple goals in one contest.

Still, a big problem for this unit is results on the road. They haven’t won over the past six outings, recording five losses and a draw. To make it even worse, they are currently on a negative streak of five straight road events with two or more goals conceded.

Latest News

Lucas Monzon and Andres Reyes are out for the Red Bulls.

Atlanta is without Brad Guzan and Miles Robinson, both due to Achilles tendon injuries. Dylan Castanheira and Osvaldo Alonso are out with other injuries.

Head to Head Games

The last meeting between these conference rivals was in November 2021, ending without goals. The last four matchups finished with one or no hits; two were draws, while two saw the Bulls minimally winning.

Prediction

Judging by the current form, NYRB should win this event. The guests are shaky overall and terrible on the road, while Red Bulls play convincing soccer in front of their own fans, and the recent results are the best possible proof of that. The odds on the hosts’ win are quite satisfying, and we recommend going for it.

Pick: New York Red Bulls win -166