NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls Predictions, Picks, & MLS Odds

NYCFC and the Red Bulls meet at Yankee Stadium on Saturday in a match that could save one team's season. Our soccer betting picks believe the Boys in Blue have the upper hand in what should be a testy battle.

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It’s crunch time for New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls as the teams’ final meeting of the season gets the Yankee Stadium treatment on Saturday. MLS odds have NYCFC as significant favorites, with NYRB and the Draw priced almost identically on the 3-way line.

Both teams are in danger of missing the playoffs, with New York City starting the day in 12th place, just a single point ahead of the Red Bulls. The Boys in Blue have taken four points from their last two games, including a 1-1 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps on September 2.

The Red Bulls have been one of the league’s worst away teams this year and fell apart in a 4-1 loss to the Philadelphia Union before the international break. They’ll look to flip the script here and snap a three-game skid. 

Read on for our free New York City FC vs New York Red Bulls picks and predictions ahead of this September 16 showdown.

NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls best odds

NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls picks and predictions

It may not be pretty on Saturday, but tension and drama are guaranteed as New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls try to claw their way back into the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. With the MLS postseason just over a month away, the clock is ticking and both teams desperately need the three points. 

Though Maxi Moralez’s ACL injury is a huge blow for a NYCFC team short on playmakers, I’m still leaning towards the Boys in Blue in this spot. 

A 2-0 win over CF Montreal at the end of August was a promising sign, and they dominated possession against the Whitecaps last time out before settling for a point. Now is the time for forwards Monsef Bakrar and Santiago Rodriguez to grab the headlines.

While the Red Bulls have had the derby bragging rights so far this season, picking up 1-0 wins in the last two meetings, they’re dealing with a lengthy injury list and are on a run of three straight losses.

Their road form is a cause for concern too. Looking to make the playoffs for the 14th straight year, the Red Bulls have come unstuck on their travels this season, picking up just one away victory and seven points from 13 games overall on the road. That spells trouble in this must-win spot.

Nothing has come easily for NYCFC this season — and Saturday may be no different — but I like these odds for the Boys in Blue to grind out a precious victory.

My best bet: New York City FC moneyline (+110 at TonyBet)

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NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls same-game parlay

New York City FC moneyline

Under 2.5 goals

Over 3.5 cards

I’m grabbing the Under on 2.5 goals, with neither team putting together a prolific season at that end of the field. One goal might be enough, as three of the last four meetings have finished 1-0.

I expect this to be a real battle that leans more towards physicality than flair and finesse. There were eight yellow cards in their last meeting and five in the previous one, so I’m taking the odds for at least four cards on Saturday.

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NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls side and Over/Under analysis

With the Red Bulls entering this crucial derby in a rut, it’s no surprise to see New York City pegged as favorites, even on a neutral field and without Moralez. The Boys in Blue look the likelier team to make a late run for a playoff spot. 

It’s hard to trust the Red Bulls after the miserable 4-1 defeat to the Union last time out despite taking the lead. They’ll also be without head coach Troy Lessene, who’s serving a ban on Saturday, so Zach Prince will take the reins. 

While Omir Fernandez has been the match-winner in both meetings this season, there’s even more of a burden on his shoulders since Lewis Morgan’s season-ending injury.

New York City looked bright against Montreal and Vancouver in their past two league games, and they’ve got a good record at Yankee Stadium, losing just once in their last 16 fixtures in the Bronx.

This doesn’t have the feel of a goalfest, so there are various Unders to consider. Goalscoring has been a problem for both New York teams all year — New York City have managed 28 goals in their 28 league games, while the Red Bulls have in just 24 of 27 games.

As I’ve outlined above, the New York derby has trended towards low-scoring battles, and the Red Bulls have only netted once in their last 270 minutes of action.

NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls game info

NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls key injuries

NYCFC: Maxi Moralez M (Out), Birk Risa D (Questionable), Mitja Ilenic D (Questionable) 
New York Red Bulls: Lewis Morgan M (Out), Serge Ngoma F (Questionable), Dante Vanzeir F (Questionable), Steven Sserwadda M (Questionable), Dylan Nealis D (Questionable), Sean Nealis D (Out — Suspended)