Prediction: New York Red Bulls vs New York City

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 49/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

While the domestic season may be over across Europe, there’s still a lot of football left to be played in the United States as this year’s Major League Soccer campaign rolls on. A parade of clubs across both conferences are hoping that they can make it to the post-season and today, we’re going to take a look at a clash between two rival clubs on the rise: New York Red Bulls and New York City.

New York Red Bulls

You may not enjoy the way in which they were rebranded back in 2005, but nobody can deny how hard New York Red Bulls have tried to make an impact at the elite level in the MLS. They’ve reached the MLS Cup just once but they have won the Supporters’ Shield three times, and with them going well again this season, they’ll hope that they can finally get over the mental barrier that has been in their way for so long.

New York City

They’ve been in existence for less than a decade and yet NYCFC continued to insist on knocking at the door of greatness until finally, last year, they won the MLS Cup for the first time under their Norwegian master. They’ve relaxed into the role of being one of the big guns in the east and if they can carry that mentality forward into the next couple of months, they could easily make another run deep into the post-season.

Factors to Consider

• NYC are 2nd in the Eastern Conference whereas NYRB are 3rd.
• NYRB have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• NYC have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• NYRB have scored eight goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• NYC have scored 12 goals and conceded nine in their last six games.

Conclusion

Red Bulls are a bit more reserved whereas NYC tend to go for it, for better or worse, and we think the battle of New York is going to bring out the best and worst of both clubs. They’re going to be dragged into a knockabout brawl with both teams exchanging blows, leading to a 2-2 draw that we actually think they should both be happy with given the state of the Eastern Conference.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 49/20

Bookmaker: 888sport