The latest edition of the Hudson River Derby will take place this weekend with both New York teams looking to take a big step up the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference table.
Away side New York City FC travel to Red Bull Arena sitting just one point above their rival in the Eastern Conference standings. The Blues are coming off of a loss to Portland Timbers last time out, 1-0.
The defeat ended a five-match unbeaten run for New York City FC. Now, they will hope to topple the New York Red Bulls away from home.
The Red Bulls are also on a good run of form having lost just twice in their last six matches. Manager Chris Armas drew 3-3 with Atlanta United last time out in a shootout in the south.
Since New York City FC entered MLS in 2015, the two clubs have played 12 times in league play. The Red Bulls dominated the series early on, but New York City FC have evened things out in recent seasons.
Last term saw New York City FC take four points from nine against the Red Bulls. However, the New York Red Bulls did pick up a big victory in their other league meeting posting a 4-0 victory.
Six of the 12 derby matches between the two teams have seen over 2.5 goals scored. In six matches played at Red Bull Arena against New York City FC, the Red Bulls have lost just one time.
Saturday’s match is the first of two league derbies between New York Red Bulls and New York City FC this season. With the advent of more teams in MLS, the two rivals now see fewer derby matches.
Red Bulls’ striker Bradley Wright-Phillips hasn’t started the season well scoring just two goals in nine appearances. The striker has long been a thorn in the side of New York City FC and could pop up with a big goal at the weekend.
Wright-Phillips did come off the bench against Atlanta United to score the Red Bulls’ third and final goal of the fixture.
New York City FC have relied on the scoring of duo Heber and Maximiliano Moralez. The Blues forwards have 12 goals combined.
Although New York City FC have improved against the Red Bulls in recent seasons, the home side will once again prevail. The Red Bulls will pick up a seventh all-time win against New York City FC with another match ending in over 2.5 goals.