MLS – Hudson Derby: NY Red Bulls vs. NYCFC Preview, Odds, News, Prediction

The Hudson River Derby is the match between the New York Red Bulls and the New York City FC. It is one of the most interesting games in the MLS and is by far the biggest one this week. Red Bull Arena in Harrison will see the two great rivals clashing for the first time this year, with both sides being in not-so-impressive form. Still, the guests are in a far more comfortable position because they occupy the third position in the standings, while on the other side, the Bulls are 11th, nine points away from the playoff zone, but with a game or two in hand compared to all the other rivals.

Preview

NY Red Bulls (+228) trashed Inter Miami on the road, 0-4, which was major boost before this event. They had three in a row without a triumph, losing to Chicago Fire 0-1 at home, and the Crew in Columbus, 2-1, and playing 1-1 against DC United in the Big Apple.

We need to say that Gerhard Struber’s guys aren’t playing as expected this year. They were one of the potential playoff teams, but something isn’t working well here. The Bulls have just seven wins in 23 games, posting 11 defeats overall.

They only have two victories in the past 10 events, and when looking at the home games, one in five. Also, in recent four home court contests were with under 2.5 goals, and three of them saw only one team netting.

NYCFC (+105) also had three in a row without a win before last weekend’s success. They would lose back-to-back road encounters, in Nashville, 3-1, and against the Revolution in Foxborough, 2-1, before playing 3-3 at home with Dallas FC. Eventually, City beat Cincinnati in Ohio with 1-2.

Unlike their local rivals, Ronny Delia’s side is sitting third in the East, three points behind Nashville and 18 behind the unstoppable Revolution. Yet, the eight-placed DC United is only four points away, so this is a must-win situation for City.

Delia’s unit has played open and offensive football in the last couple of weeks, which is why four previous games saw over 2.5 goals and hits on both sides.

Latest News

Red Bulls will appear without Aaron Long, who tore his Achilles. Ryan Meara injured his groin and is questionable.

On the other side, all the players are ready to start the big derby.

Head to Head Games

This will be the 19th meeting between these teams. The all-time series record is on the Bulls’ side, with 10 wins, two draws, and six losses.

The last meeting was in November 2020, at City’s stadium, where they demolished the rivals, 5-1. By the way, the previous four games ended with the hosts’ victory.

Preview

From our perspective, this will be a match with high efficiency. Both sides won’t be satisfied with one point, and a win is needed to fulfill their respective intentions. Therefore, over 2.5 goals is our recommendation for Wednesday’s event. The odds are not bad at all -125, and when measuring the profit/risk ratio, it is the best solution for this meeting.

Pick: Over 2.5 goals -125