New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC Key Stats
- New York Red Bulls are unbeaten in six matches, winning four times and drawing twice.
- New York City FC have won only one of their last eight MLS fixtures.
- New York Red Bulls took four points from six in their double-header with City last month.
- 100% of New York Red Bulls’ last five MLS matches produced under 2.5 goals.
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New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC Match Preview
New York Red Bulls are making a late dash for the playoff line and what seemed an outlandish prospect just one month ago now looks a distinct possibility.
On September 15th, NYRB’s hopes of making it to the post-season looked all but extinguished when they were beaten 2-1 by Columbus Crews in a limp display that coach Gerhard Struber described as boys against men.
Fast forward to today and the Red Bulls are in the midst of a six-match unbeaten run in the MLS and the playoff line in the Eastern Conference is just three points above them.
Their late-season surge includes a haul of four points from back-to-back Hudson River Derbies against rivals New York City and NYRB’s success against their local antagonists has had a noticeable springboard effect.
In contrast, New York City are caught in a real slump and their downward drift includes a return of just one win from their last eight MLS assignments.
The reversal in fortunes between the clubs has been so profound, that Red Bulls could draw level on points with City with another victory on Sunday.
With just one goal in their last four matches combined, Ronny Delia’s charges have lost their spark in the final third at just about the worst possible time and another setback on Sunday could put another huge dent in the already wilting confidence in the camp.
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New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC Picks
New York Red Bulls to Win +150 (DraftKings)
New York Red Bulls are riding the crest of a wave and following a superb run of four wins in six games – which includes a victory over NYCFC – we’re backing the hosts to maintain their playoff charge at their rival’s expense on Sunday.
New York City FC have won a miserable one of their last eight MLS fixtures and their regression in the attacking third has made for alarmingly viewing.
The Pigeons have registered just once in their last 360 minutes of football and their frontline suddenly looks out of ideas and short on self-belief.
With that considered, we’re tipping in-form NYRB to steal the points on Sunday.
Under 2.5 Goals -130 (DraftKings)
New York Red Bulls have relied primarily on their stout defending to pocket points in recent weeks, with their output at the opposite end consistently modest.
Indeed, 100% of their last five matches in the MLS have produced under 2.5 goals and we expect that combination of robust defending and subdued attacking play to deliver another low-scoring contest on Sunday.
The same factors influenced proceedings in the Hudson River Derby double-header in September when under 2.5 goals landed on each occasion and same market holds plenty of appeal at -130 with DraftKings this weekend.
It’s also worth noting that each of New York City’s last four tests spawned under 2.5 goals and we expect that pattern to continue at the Red Bull Arena.
New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC Parlay
New York Red Bulls to Win and Under 2.5 Goals +400 (DraftKings)
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New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC Team News
New York Red Bulls team news
New York Red Bulls are set to be without Lucas Monzon for this fixture, while Aaron Long is another player that is currently sidelined.
Fabio is also expected to sit this one out with a calf issue.
Injured: Lucas Monzon, Aaron Long, Fabio
Suspended:
New York City FC team news
New York City’s squad is relatively injury free and head coach Ronny Delia has a strong roster to choose from ahead of the final Hudson River Derby of the regular season.
Injured:
Suspended: