Orlando City have started the 2021 Major League Soccer season well. Oscar Pareja’s team have taken 12 points from 18 on offer and are undefeated going into the weekend versus New York Red Bulls.
First-year head coach Gerhard Struber has not had much success in charge of New York Red Bulls. The red half of New York City are 10th in the Eastern Conference. They have secured just six points from 18 available to them.
The Red Bulls are on a two-game losing streak in MLS play. They lost by a combined scored of 4-1 to the Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution.
Their loss last weekend to the Revs showed New York Red Bulls’ defence issues. After leading most of the way through the first half, they conceded an equaliser.
The Revolution then found two more goals as New York had Andres Reyes sent off just before halftime.
Orlando City, on the other hand, secured a 1-0 win over Toronto FC thanks to a Tesho Akindele goal. Four of Orlando City’s last five MLS matches ended with under 2.5 goals scored.
The Lions and Red Bulls have met 13 times in MLS play previously. Orlando City took four points from six in 2020.
Their match in Orlando at the Exploria Stadium ended in a 3-1 win for the Lions. Pareja’s team have won five all-time matches against the New York Red Bulls.
Reyes will serve a suspension for the Red Bulls after a straight red card in the first half against New England last weekend.
The likes of Youba Diarra, Florian Valot, Amro Tarek, and Aaron Long are set to miss the game through their respective injuries. Andrew Gutman is a doubt.
Pareja is without striker Alex Pato who is recovering from an injury. He is due back in June. Midfielder Oriol Rossell is a doubt due to an abdominal injury.
Meanwhile, Pareja will have leading scorer Nani back following a one-game suspension.
The Red Bulls have taken four points from nine available this season at home. They have outscored opponents 5-2.
Orlando City are unbeaten on the road with four points from six obtained. Games have been low scoring away from home as they have outscored opponents 2-1.
Orlando City should keep the game low scoring against the Red Bulls. The match should see under 2.5 goals and the Lions picking up a win versus New York once more.