This weekend in Major League Soccer sees one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the season as New York City welcome New York Red Bulls to the Yankee Stadium. With the teams sitting third and fourth respectively in the Eastern Conference, this match is not only about local bragging rights but also a place in the conference semi-finals.
Having been founded 4 years ago, New York City have participated in only 2 other MLS seasons in their history. While they struggled in their first season, New York City came second in the Eastern Conference last season, only to bow out at the conference semi-final stage.
New York Red Bulls have been in existence for much longer and have won the Eastern Conference 5 times, including last season. However, they are yet to go on and win the MLS Cup.
New York City Form
New York City suffered a terrible 4-0 defeat at Toronto last weekend, which has dented their hopes of winning the MLS Supporters Shield Trophy.
That result means it is now only 1 win in their last 4 MLS games, with 1 draw and 2 defeats. The draw was in the reverse fixture against Toronto and the defeat was a 3-2 loss at Vancouver Whitecaps.
However, at the Yankee Stadium New York City have been in very good form. They have enjoyed a 7-match unbeaten run which has seen them win 5 and draw 2 MLS games.
New York City have scored 2 or more goals in each of those 7 games but have also failed to keep a clean sheet in any of them. In fact, you must go back 11 games to the 12th March to find the last time New York City kept a clean sheet at home in the MLS.
New York Red Bulls Form
In contrast to their hosts, New York Red Bulls comes into this match in great form. Their latest result was a 4-0 demolition of Montreal Impact last week.
New York Red Bulls have won their last 6 games in a row in all competitions, with 4 wins coming in the MLS and 2 wins in the US Open Cup. Recent victories in the MLS include a 5-1 home win over San Jose Earthquakes and a 3-0 away win at Minnesota United, in addition to the excellent victory against Montreal Impact last Sunday.
New York Red Bulls have won their last 3 away MLS games, scoring 8 goals and conceding 2.
Team News
New York City are without Khiry Shelton and Max Moralez is rated as doubtful. They are expected to start in a 4-3-3 formation, with David Villa leading the line receiving support from Jack Harrison and Thomas McNamara.
New York Red Bulls have Gideon Baah and Mike Grella injured while Kemar Lawrence is suspended. They are expected to play a 4-2-3-1 formation with Bradley Wright-Phillips up-front and Alex Muyl, Sacha Kjestan and Daniel Royer playing just behind.
Top Betting Tips
This is going to be a tough match for both teams. New York City have not been in great from but still have a strong home record. New York Red Bulls have been in good form and have won their last 3 away games. This gives the Red Bulls the edge and they can be backed at 11/4 to win the game with Ladbrokes.
Both teams have scored in 91% of New York City’s homes games this season and there have been 3 or more goals scored in each of their last 9 at the Yankee Stadium. Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals is 4/5 at Ladbrokes.
David Villa is having a great season in-front of goal for New York City with 14 goals making him the second highest scorer. Villa is 10/3 with Ladbrokes to score the first goal of the game.