Over the past five years, the New York Red Bulls have dominated the Hudson River Derby. The Red Bulls have a 9-2-4 record against New York City FC, and they knocked off NYCFC 2-1 back in July thanks to a brace from Daniel Royer. They will look to extend their run on Saturday and improve their position in the fight to make the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action Yankee Stadium in New York City at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 24, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN2.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
New York City FC +104
New York Red Bulls +233
Draw +286
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
New York City FC are sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference standings with 41 points. That has them on track to host a playoff game, but the club is looking for more. They have lost just five times all season, and NYCFC have 7 of their last 11 matches.
This team had no problem beating expansion side FC Cincinnati in the Queen City last weekend. Although Cincinnati opened the scoring, NYCFC quickly responded and cruised to a victory thanks to braces from both Valentin Castellanos and Heber. NYCFC will host the Columbus Crew on Wednesday night prior to this match.
The New York Red Bulls ended up winning the Supporters’ Shield after nipping Atlanta United for the best record in the regular season at the end of last year, but their recent form has not been good. The Red Bulls are 3-4-2 in their last nine matches and two of those wins came against teams currently outside the playoff picture.
This club is in fifth place in the Eastern Conference after settling for a 1-1 draw at home against the New England Revolution last weekend, and they must travel to face DC United on Wednesday night prior to this tilt.
Key Absences
Defenders Joe Scally and James Sands are set to miss the match for NYCFC, and midfielders Ismael Tajouri-Shradi and Ebenezer Ofori will be unavailable too. That lack of depth will hurt with the club on short rest.
Midfielder Florian Valot tore his ACL and is out for the year, and forward Brian White is questionable to suit up for the Red Bulls in this match.
Player to Watch
Carlos Vela, Josef Martinez, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have stolen the headlines, while Maxi Moralez’s season has flown under the radar. Moralez has been incredible though, and he is the reason why NYCFC could finally make a postseason run. He is having his best season yet in his third season with the club, leading the MLS with 16 assists despite playing only 21 games this year. Moralez set up Heber’s goal in the previous meeting between these two sides, and he will be instrumental if NYCFC are to get a win.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Although NYCFC have struggled against the Red Bulls historically, they haven’t fared too poorly in Yankee Stadium. The last four matches in Yankee Stadium have seen NYCFC win three with the other result being a draw, and they will have a bit of a rest advantage too since they are playing at home on Wednesday while the Red Bulls are on the road.
NYCFC have only lost once in 11 home games this year, so I’m going to back the hosts on the three-way line. Their goal differential shows they have been a bit unlucky with their record, and the Red Bulls haven’t been great on the road.
Major League Soccer Odds: New York City FC 2, New York Red Bulls 1
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