Fighting for the Top
New York City FC owns second place in the MLS Eastern Conference with 35 points. The New York Red Bulls are third, two points behind. Both have allowed 21 goals, the second-best defensive record in the conference. In other words, we’re set for an epic battle.
The Citizens, who come in as the betting online underdogs at +205, could reach first place, but in addition to winning, they would need the Philadelphia Union to tie or lose against the New England Revolution.
Let’s check the latest MLS news, stats, injury reports, and MLS odds for New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC . We’ve plenty of MLS picks and predictions for you to consider.
New York Red Bulls Turning Things Around
The New York Red Bulls have won three straight home matches after starting the season winless in their first six at home. Plus, they’ve scored multiple goals in four straight home matches after failing to score more than once in their previous 15 at home dating back to August. So yes, they deserve to control the soccer lines.
Their last home game was against Atlanta United, which ended 2-1. Lewis Morgan and Serge Ngoma saved the day by scoring in the last seven minutes of the game. Most recently, they visited CF Cincinnati and drew1-1, exactly like we predicted. Not bad, especially for those who followed our advice, but considering they played with one more player since the 58th minute, they should’ve won.
Individually, Lewis Morgan is having a great season. Overall, he has scored nine goals, enough to be the team’s top scorer. Plus, he has scored in his last four home MLS matches. A goal against New York City FC would make him only the fifth Red Bulls player to score in five straight home games and only the second since 2010. Therefore, you can expect him to be extra motivated.
The home side, which will have Sean Nealis back after a one-game suspension, is offering a +120 price. A $100 wager could turn into a $220 payout.
New York City FC Setting the Standard
Wednesday, New York City FC picked up its ninth win in its last 14 games with a 1-0 victory over FC Dallas. The Citizens’ 31 points since mid-April, beginning after their elimination from the CONCACAF Champions League, are the most in MLS in that time.
“I think obviously you have to have tactics and fitness, but you also have to have a belief and you have to have a connection with the team and togetherness to get through a game like this. You have to have a real buy-in and a belief for the football club and for the badge to put your body on the line,” interim head coach Nick Cushing said to the press.
Having the league’s top scorer, Valentin Castellanos with 12 goals, it’s helpful. Beginning with a two-goal performance against DC United last October, he has scored 21 goals in his last 22 MLS appearances. He’s the seventh player since 2004 to score at least 21 times in a span of 22 matches. Summing up, he’s also going to be extra motivated.
As mentioned before, the Citizens are offering a +205 price in the sportsbook. Their road record isn’t the best 3-2-3. However, in addition to everything mentioned above, they scored in six of those eight matches.
New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC Head-to-Head
- Previous Matches: 22
- New York Red Bulls Victories: 13 (43 goals)
- New York City FC Victories: 6 (22 goals)
- Draws: 3
Last season, these two collided three times. The first meeting ended 1-1, while the New York Red Bulls won the other two 1-0. They’ll try to become the second team to keep a clean sheet against New York City FC in three straight games. The other was the Portland Timbers from 2017-19.
New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC Game Information
- Date: Sunday, July 17
- Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Red Bull Arena, Harrison
- New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC Live Stream: fubo.tv
New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC Betting Lines
New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC Prediction
There’s nothing like a Derby, especially when both teams are performing above average. No other team in the Eastern Conference has scored more goals than New York City FC with 38. On the other hand, the New York Red Bulls scored 30. Therefore, if there’s something you can expect from these two, it’s goals. You can also expect a close contest, therefore, our soccer picks and parlays are a highly entertaining draw.
