MLS: New York Red Bulls vs. FC Cincinnati Preview, Betting Tips, Prediction, Picks

The New York Red Bulls will have a very tough challenge coming up, as they face the MLS Eastern Conference leaders, FC Cincinnati. The game’s venue is the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, the Bulls’ home. New York is in a tough position, with them sitting outside the playoff and the play-in zone. Inconsistency is the main enemy of Troy Lesesne’s side. As for Cinci, we need to add that they recently slowed down, posting some unexpected losses. 

Preview

New York Red Bulls (-110) have recorded mixed results in the last ten events, counting the one in the US Open Cup. That was against Cinci, who eliminated them following the penalties. In these ten meetings, the Bulls had four wins, four losses, and two ties. 

A good thing is that the Bulls won the last game, against the conference rivals, the New England Revolution, 2-1. This was the third meeting in the past four in which the Bulls haven’t lost, posting two wins and a tie. 

Also, it was the fifth consecutive for them in which we saw at least three goals. The same happened at their Red Bull Arena in five of the recent six events. In 11 appearances at home, New York has five wins, four draws, and two defeats, with 15 goals scored and 11 conceded. 

FC Cincinnati (+280) had a fantastic streak of 14 wins in 17 games, but lost the pace in the recent few contests, not winning in three straight. After losing in DC to United, 3-0, they had two ties, against the Revolution at home and Charlotte on the road, with the same results, 2-2. 

Six of their previous ten road games have been with three or more goals, and seven saw both teams netting, implying that Cinci’s contests bring a solid amount of goals. 

Their road record in the MLS isn’t that shiny, having 14 points in 10 outings, three wins, five ties, and two losses, with a negative goal difference of 13-16.

Latest News

Steven Sserwadda won’t play this event, having a knee injury. Lewis Morgan is out as well. 

FC Cincinnati is without Matt Miazga, who is playing at the Gold Cup for the US team. Ian Murphy is suspended because of his red card against Charlotte.

Head to Head

The two units met at the same place six weeks ago, only in the US Open Cup. After 90 minutes, the result was tied, 1-1, and the teams had to go through extra times, where there weren’t any goals, before starting a penalty shootout. FC Cincinnati had more composure in those moments, beating the rivals. 

Predictions

This should be a fun game to watch, with at least one goal on both ends. The Red Bulls are good at home, while Cinci won’t back down for sure. Given all the circumstances and the previously written stats and numbers, both teams netting should be the safest bet for this contest. Odds are very good, and far more profitable than we expected. 

Pick: Both teams to score -110

Here are more MLS Previews:

• SKC vs. Real Salt Lake
• LAFC vs. St. Louis City
• New England Revolution vs. Atlanta United