New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC Prediction, Odds, Picks

• Regardless of the Red Bulls’ latest 1-0 result in their favor, their celebrations should be short-lived
• NYCFC’s Valentin Castellanos will be a game-changer during the rivalry game
• Are the Red Bulls reliable at home?

New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC Odds

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New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC Predictions and Picks

The Hudson River Derby has returned!

Last featuring a 5-2 win for New York City FC over the New Red Bulls in November of 2020, one of MLS’ premier rivalries has come back for the first time this season.

Although NYCFC are coming off a midweek loss, they do have reason to feel hopeful.

Heading into the weekend, they’re 3rd in the Eastern Conference standings and their loss represents their lone defeat in their last seven MLS appearances.

And while the Red Bulls should be feeling confident as not only the hosts, but also the recipient of three points earlier this week, far too many questions and doubts about them remain.

NYCFC have only clinched consecutive Hudson River Derby wins once in their short history — but could that change on Saturday?

Despite their latest defeat, a victory should still be within reach.

Our Pick

Pick NYCFC for the win. (+145)

How to Watch New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC

Are we not giving the Red Bulls enough credit?

On Wednesday night, they caught many fans off-guard with a 1-0 win over current champions, the Columbus Crew.

Carlos Miguel Coronel was excellent in net, Sean Nelis was influential in the backline, and in the midfield, John Tolkin was the hero with his game-winning goal in the 1st half.

All that said, the Red Bulls may have been luckier than anything else.

And when we take a step back, it’s also important to recognize that their latest victory was their first since early July…

Red Bulls Were Fortunate To Walk Away With Latest Result

I don’t mean to rain on the Red Bulls parade, but the celebration should be short-lived.

At home, they had less possession in their recent 1-0 win — and according to FiveThirtyEight — they finished with an equal xG (expected goals) tally of 1.2 as the Crew.

They needed a near-perfect performance from Coronel in net, and where it not for the goalkeeper, the Red Bulls could have easily extended their winless streak to eight games.

The Red Bulls and their fans should be thrilled with the result, but when looking at how they have fared since July, it’s unlikely that this will be a turning point for them.

Valentin Castellanos Has Been On Fire For NYCFC

He may not have scored in NYCFC’s latest result, but let’s go through some of Valentin Castellano’s impressive numbers.

The Argentine striker has four goals and three assists in just his last six MLS appearances.

He’s got eight goals and six assists in total so far this season — which easily exceeds any of the individual efforts from the Red Bulls roster.

Also, keep in mind, the last time Castellanos faced NYCFC’s rivals, he was brilliant with three goals and an assist.

Will we see that again this weekend?

Home Performances At Red Bull Arena Have Been Disappointing

The Red Bulls haven’t exactly been dominant at home in recent months.

Outside of their narrow (and perhaps lucky) win against the Crew, they’ve failed to clinch a victory in their three previous matches at Red Bull Arena.

And despite the fact that NYCFC haven’t claimed a win at the venue since 2017, this Saturday could be a perfect opportunity to capitalize on an erratic opposition that are currently sitting outside of a playoff position.