- Team form: New York Red Bulls have the better form with three wins, one draw and one defeat from their last five games.
- Recent run: Charlotte have won their last two and are two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five.
Red Bulls’ intensity vs Charlotte’s structure
Match odds and context
New York Red Bulls are the slight favorites at 2.22 against Charlotte's 2.78 with a draw at 3.85 for this early season Major League Soccer matchup at Sports Illustrated Stadium, USA.
The hosts are the favorites because they are in the better short-term form and have their squad and tactics settled.
Tactics
Ibrahim Sekagya's Red Bulls have an intensity about them that recalls the Red Bull days, but they play in a more controlled manner with some more fluid shapes and a greater capacity to build-up play.
Charlotte have turned a corner after a rough period, but Dean Smith has them organized, pragmatic and ready to dig in when they need to.
Key players
- Pep Biel is their primary threat with seven goals in 15 Major League Soccer appearances, but he is not the only attacking weapon at hand.
- Idan Toklomati has two of the six goals Charlotte have scored in their last five matches and can provide a timely spark at the top.
Both teams to score a good bet
The Red Bulls will test Charlotte's resolve in this contest, with their high-tempo attack looking to disrupt a more compact visiting side. Charlotte do have good defensive balance with their fullbacks overlapping and quick vertical breaks.
Both Teams To Score – Yes at 1.44 looks tempting, but our prediction is for both clubs to score in a tight matchup and there's enough value in the Both Teams To Score – No market at 2.6 to keep the upset in play.
New York Red Bulls should edge it, but Charlotte's winning streak makes it feel like they could win another one on Saturday, so a Red Bulls win with both teams to score is the smartest selection if this matchup does open up.
