New York Red Bulls vs. Philadelphia Union Prediction, Preview, and Odds - 7/8/21
Get the latest odds and predictions for this MLS Eastern Conference match between New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union on Thursday, July 8, 2021.
New York Red Bulls vs. Philadelphia Union
The 2021 MLS season goes on Thursday, July 8, with a couple of games on the schedule, including the Eastern Conference showdown at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, as the New York Red Bulls host the Philadelphia Union. These two foes already met once in May, and Philadelphia outlasted New York as a slight +110 home fave, 1-0, recording its third straight victory over the Red Bulls.
New York aims for its fifth straight home win
The New York Red Bulls wrapped up a three-game road trip last Saturday, defeating Orlando City 2-1 as huge +400 underdogs. They snapped a two-game winless streak, so the Red Bulls are 3-1-1 in their last five games overall. New York sits at the seventh spot of the Eastern Conference standings with 16 points (W5, D1, L5) and a 16:14 goal difference.
The Red Bulls have been terrific at home so far this season, earning 12 points out of five contests. They’ve won four consecutive games at Red Bull Arena, scoring eight goals in the process and surrendering just one in a return.
Midfielders Caden Clark and Cristhian Casseres are leading the way for the Red Bulls with four goals each, while striker Fabio is the team’s top assist-maker with five dishes in 11 appearances. Forward Patryk Klimala has four assists on his tally, and he’s been one of the best New York players lately. The Red Bulls are still without Youba Diarra (muscle injury) and defender Aaron Long (Achilles), while Caden Clark (Appendectomy) is questionable to play against Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is winless in three straight outings on the road
The Union is coming off a 1-0 defeat at Nashville SC this past Saturday. It was Phila’s third loss of the season and first since May 1 when the Union lost to New York City 2-0. The Union has been undefeated in nine straight showings at any location, tallying five wins and four draws in the process.
Philadelphia is now laying at the third spot of the Eastern Conference table with 19 points (W5, D4, L3) and a 15:11 goal difference. In six showings on the road, the Union has recorded a couple of wins to go with three ties and that one loss at Nashville.
Striker Kacper Przybylko leads the way for Philadelphia with eight goals and three assists in 16 appearances in all competitions. He’s netted three goals in the MLS, while striker Cory Burke has scored four goals in 11 MLS apps so far this season. Midfielder Jamiro Monteiro is a key guy in the middle of the park, and he’s dished out four assists in 12 MLS games this term.
The Pick:New York Red Bulls to Win
I’m expecting the Red Bulls to extend their terrific run of form at home and tally their fifth straight victory at Red Bull Arena in Harrison. Of course, it won’t be an easy task, but I think the Red Bulls will have enough firepower to deal with one of the best teams in the majors.
Frankly, this clash could be easily finished in a draw, while I’m doubting Philadelphia’s chances to pull off an upset. The Union hasn’t been sharp on the road recently, though they’ve scored five goals over their previous three road contests. Phila has conceded six in that span, and the Red Bulls have been terrific at home as of late, so I’m backing New York to earn three points.
Total:Under 2.5 Goals
The Red Bulls prefer a counter-attacking approach. They don’t like to keep the ball in possession for too long and are happy to sit back and wait for their chances. On the other side, Philadelphia will probably take a cautious approach, as the visitors are well aware of the Red Bulls’ dangerous counter-attacks, so I’m opting with the Under 2.5 Goals.
Seven of the last ten encounters between New York and Phila produced fewer than three goals in total, including their first meeting in 2021. Back in May, the teams combined for 26 shots, but only six went on target. Also, none of their last four duels at New York saw both teams scoring.
