With the two sides having only met just a matter of days ago in the US Open Cup, where a single goal from Daniel Royer saw Jesse Marsch’s men move onto the next round, the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC face off again on Saturday, as both teams look to climb the Major League Soccer standings on the East Coast. Patrick Vieira’s men will be out for revenge at the Red Bull Arena, with the chance to move seven points clear of their city rivals in the standings.
New York Red Bulls Team News
Daniel Royer is expected to return to the starting line-up against New York City, having scored the winner after coming off the substitutes bench against them last time around. English striker Bradley Wright-Phillips has eight MLS goals to his name to date, with the former Manchester City and Southampton man hoping to add to his two goals against the Philadelphia Union. Strike partner Mike Grella continues to miss out thanks to a knee injury.
New York City FC Team News
Having scored his 50th and 51st goals for City in their win over the Seattle Sounders, former Barcelona favourite David Villa will be looking to lead his side to just a second win over their New York rivals. Meanwhile, Argentine midfielder Maxi Moralez will miss out having been forced off at half time against the Red Bulls last time out. However, Italian legend Andrea Pirlo is expected to return on Saturday, adding to Vieira’s options in midfield.
Team Form
Both sides have been in indifferent form over the past few weeks, however it is New York City FC that have shown the better form in the MLS. Just one defeat from their last five MLS encounters has left them third in the table, while seven defeats already this season see’s the Red Bulls languishing in mid-table. However, with the Red Bulls having won six out of the seven career meeting between the two teams to date, this game really is on a knife edge.
Top Betting Tips
As a result of their performances in previous meetings, along with their home advantage, it is the New York Red Bulls that find themselves as favourites among the bookmakers, with 888Sport offering punters odds of just 1.8/1 on for three points. However, with those predicting that David Villa and Andrea Pirlo can once again link up to fine effect, the same bookmakers offer odds of 3/1 for an away win. Meanwhile, given the attacking talent on display, betting that there will be over 2.5 goals may well be worth a shout, which is 2/1 at Ladbrokes.