Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls Prediction, Betting Odds, Picks

• Philadelphia Union, who are the home side, will be hoping to hold onto their position at the top of the league in the Eastern Conference when they face second-placed New York Red Bulls
• Despite their positions in the Eastern Conference league table, both sides have been fairly inconsistent all season
• The rivals will be facing each other for the first time since the first-round postseason thriller 

Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls Odds

Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls Prediction

Philadelphia Union go into this tie with a slight edge over the New York Red Bulls, who are right on their coattails. The two sides have faced each other 42 times and there’s absolutely nothing between them. There have been 10 draws and 16 wins each. The two sides can’t even be separated on goals, having scored 55 each in this fixture.

Despite the rivalry, no player from either team has ever been shown a red card in this fixture.

Philadelphia Union will have the Subaru Park faithful cheering them on with the postseason heroics of Jacob Glesnes fresh in their minds.

This was one of the finest games in the competition’s recent history. The towering Norwegian center-back scored a stunning volley in the final minute of extra-time in the first-round Eastern Conference playoff match between the two sides last season but this isn’t the only reason why they’ll have a psychological edge over the Red Bulls. Philadelphia Union have not lost to the New York Red Bulls in their last seven encounters. The New York Red Bulls will not want to make that eight.

A Draw is Likely

The New York Red Bulls’ last victory over the Philadelphia Union came in August 2019. The Philadelphia Union also leads the Eastern Conference table and will see this as an opportunity to run away from the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference standings.

However, neither side has been fully convincing so far in the league despite their positions on the Eastern Conference table. Both sides have only won five of their 10 games. LAFC, who lead the Western Conference, have won seven in comparison.

The Philadelphia Union have been in poor form in recent weeks and the New York Red Bulls are yet to win a home game. The New York Red Bulls have so far scored one goal more than the Philadelphia Union in the league. Both sides have their decent defensive record to thank for, having only conceded eight goals each.

Last time out, it took the Philadelphia Union extra time and a ridiculous strike to see things out. It’s hard to see that playing out again with no extra-time in league ties. The two sides are most likely going to cancel each other out and play out a draw. The head-to-head record, recent form, and last meeting point towards that.

Philadelphia Union’s Recent Form Has Not Been Good

The Philadelphia Union were just knocked out of the U.S Open Cup by Orlando City and were fortunate to leave with something when going up against Western Conference leaders, LAFC, in their last league outing. The game ended 2-2 but Carlos Vela and co were fairly dominant with 22 shots and 67% of the possession in the match. Philadelphia Union have been on a poor run after making a great start to the season.

They drew Nashville SC and CF Montreal prior to the game against LAFC and had lost to Toronto FC as well. There’s fragile confidence about the side despite their place on the table.

They’ll be hoping to turn things around when they face the Red Bulls, who have momentum going the other way. Jim Curtin’s side have only conceded eight goals in 10 games and will be hoping that their sturdy backline can help them see this one out.

The trio of Daniel Gazdag, Kai Wagner and Julian Carranza have been great for the Union

The Union got an early lead in the game against LAFC thanks to Hungarian, Daniel Gazdag, who scored his 5th goal of the season in a move that was set up by Kai Wagner and Julian Carranza. Carranza, the Argentine, was crucial in linking the attack before scoring the second goal, which was against the run of play, in the 67th minute.

The trio of Wagner, Carranza and Gazdag have been key to the Union’s attack.

If they get all three points out of this game, it’s likely going to be because of this trio. Carranza has registered impressive seven-goal contributions with four goals and three assists so far this season while Wagner’s left foot has helped him register four assists.

No Injuries and Suspensions

There are no injuries or suspensions to speak of at the moment with Sergio Santos back in the squad.

Red Bull’s Recent Form Has Been Good And No Worries About Home Form Heading Into This Tie

Unlike the Philadelphia Union, the New York Red Bulls head into this tie on good form. They just beat D.C. United 3-0 in the U.S. Open Cup and have got seven points from their last three games. The main source of goals for the side have been Polish forward, Patryck Klimala, and Scottish winger, Lewis Morgan.

Klimala has registered three goals and three assists while Morgan’s found the net four times.

Despite their place on the table, the Red Bulls haven’t recorded a home victory so far this season.

This, of course, means that they’ve been excellent away from home and will be glad that this is an away tie. The patchy form of the Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union suggests just how volatile the MLS Eastern Conference has been this season.

Red Bulls’ Approach May Need Reworking

The Red Bulls’ last tie was against last season’s playoff runners-up, Portland Timbers, who had been on a scoring drought. The game ended in a 1-1 draw and Red Bull will have been kicking themselves that they didn’t get all the points.

The game was there for the taking and they had some half-chances towards the end.

The Red Bulls had 13 shots to the Timbers’ 8 and more of the possession but it seems like their approach isn’t good enough to make the Red Bull Arena a fortress.

Manager, Gerhard Struber, has to find a solution eventually but will be happy that it isn’t something he has to think about going into this game. Playmaker-in-chief, Frankie Amaya, will be hoping that he can get some of that early season form into this game. The Californian has gone quiet in recent weeks and will be hoping to change that heading into this tie.

They should use the momentum from the cup tie in their favor. The Red Bulls couldn’t ask for a better game to push themselves. They’ll have revenge on their mind after last season’s playoff tie and should use that motivation to get one over their bitter rivals.

Injuries and Suspensions

Center-back Andres Reyes, and 18-year-old attacking midfielder Caden Clark are still injured. The two have missed most of the season and there’s no return date as of now. Right-back Tom Edwards, is currently suspended because of visa issues.

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