New York Red Bulls vs Chicago Fire Key Stats
- Chicago Fire have lost seven of their eight MLS away matches this season.
- New York Red Bulls have won each of their last two home meetings with Chicago Fire.
- Five of Chicago Fire’s last seven away fixtures produced under 2.5 goals.
- Under 2.5 goals have been scored in six of New York RB’s last eight home assignments.
New York Red Bulls vs Chicago Fire Match Preview
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Severe weather conditions on the east coast and an unplayable pitch in New Jersey meant that the Hudson River Derby between NYRB and New York City FC had to be called off last week, though the Red Bulls can profit from that postponement against Chicago Fire.
With a full nine-days rest in the tank between fixtures, Gerhard Struber’s troops should be re-energized and fresher than their opponents from Illinois who played a taxing double-header in Florida against Inter Miami (2-3) and Orlando City (0-1) while New York RB’s players had their feet up.
Fitness issues aside, Chicago have been performing miserably on the road this season, in fact, their return of seven defeats and one draw from eight MLS away assignments is the competition’s worst record and Fire’s paltry five goals from the same set of games is the lowest haul in either Conference.
New York Red Bulls haven’t exactly been firing on all cylinders either, though their 1-0 win at home to Columbus Crew before the derby postponement – which snapped a seven-game winless streak – felt like a momentum-swinging moment.
The victory provided a clean sheet along with three crucial points for NYRB and they have now collected more shutouts on home soil than any other MLS team this season.
Creative Brazilian Fabio also notched his ninth goal contribution of the campaign with his first-half assist for John Tolkin and the 24-year-old could be the key to unlocking the Chicago Fire defence this week.
New York Red Bulls vs Chicago Fire Picks
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New York Red Bulls to Win -110 (DraftKings)
New York RB’s slender victory over Columbus Crew in their last outing at the Red Bull Arena was long overdue and the relief when the full-time whistle blew was palpable.
With some of the pressure on Gerhard Struber alleviated and some extra fuel in the tank following the postponement of the Hudson River Derby, the Red Bulls are our pick to push for victory again this weekend when poor travelers Chicago Fire come to town.
Fire’s away day misery has been well-documented this season and their run of seven defeats in eight games on the road included a 2-0 reverse against Red Bulls in New Jersey back in early May. Expect a similar result when Raphaël Wicky takes his struggling charges back East this weekend.
Under 2.5 Goals +105 (DraftKings)
Any margin of victory for New York Red Bulls is likely to be slim however. NYRB’s lengthy run without a win before their victory over Columbus was driven by their lack of cutting edge in the final third.
Indeed, New York RB have notched just 23 times in 19 MLS matches season. Defensively, they remain one of this year’s most robust outfits however – particularly in New Jersey.
Six of their last eight assignments there produced under 2.5 goals and their well-marshaled backline should allow them to keep a toothless Chicago Fire side at arm’s length his weekend.
With that considered, the under 2.5 goals line is worth pursuing again at +105 with DraftKings.
New York Red Bulls vs Chicago Fire Parlay
New York Red Bulls and Under 2.5 Goals +380 (DraftKings)
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New York Red Bulls vs Chicago Fire Team News
New York Red Bulls
Cristian Casseres, Aaron Long and Youba Diarra have all been ruled out for NYRB.
Cameron Harper is rated as doubtful.
Injured: Cristian Casseres, Aaron Long, Youba Diarra
Suspended: None
Chicago Fire
Kenneth Kronholm and Ignacio Aliseda are expected to miss this weekend’s game for Chicago Fire, while Carlos Teran is rated as doubtful.
Injured: Kenneth Kronholm, Ignacio Aliseda.
Suspended: None
