Eagles and Red Bulls to share a cagey encounter
New York Red Bulls’ arrival in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals alongside their Pennsylvania neighbours Philadelphia Union gives both clubs the opportunity to claim a silver piece for their trophy cabinets in a season in which the MLS has been highly inconsistent.
The two sides have a long history that dates back to 2010, having played each other 48 times in all competitions, with Union holding a 19-14 advantage in the head-to-head record with 15 draws.
This Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bull preview highlights that it is the first of two meetings in four days between these northeast rivals, with no reported injuries or suspensions on either side for the full lineups to be selected.
Union are clear favourites, but Red Bull are tough to beat
Union are favourites at 2.05, with Red Bull the minnows at 3.35 and the draw 3.25 here, although that price on the hosts seems a little generous for a team that have lost their previous two.
Our Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bull prediction is that Red Bulls’ draw in their last match should not be considered too disappointing given their recent form and the fact that they are on a three-match winless streak (all draws).
A win at Atlanta United in the previous round was their last win, but they remain hard to break down with European-style structure and moments of flair.
Bradley Carnell’s side are not as positive as Jim Curtin’s Philadelphia, who will be looking to turn this into a pressing game in which they can be more deadly on the counterattack, especially at home.
For those looking at the Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bull odds, the pricing reflects a potentially close battle between the two sides.
Goals could be scarce due to defences in form
The Red Bull’s midfield is full of energy and creativity with Frankie Amaya the most dynamic. They are not as clinical as they would like to be right now but have a lively forward in Elias Manoel who can pop up with a goal at any time.
Union have Andre Blake in goal and a backline of Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner that looks solid and a talented creative force in Quinn Sullivan. Indiana Vassilev and Tai Baribo can both spark the team up front as well, but a lack of finishing has been costly in the past couple of games.
The Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bull betting tips suggest that backing ‘Under 2.5 goals’ looks good given both defences are in good shape and the two teams have been struggling for goals recently.
This Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bull prediction is a clash of styles with Philly more willing to press and counter-attack, while Red Bull are more content to sit deep and defend their shape, so a draw with a high level of tension looks likely. However, Union’s home advantage and a marginally better head-to-head advantage gives them the slight edge as favourites for this clash.
Referee Joshua Encarnación will be in charge of what is likely to be a very cagey game featuring two clubs separated by only a few places in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, with Union in third and the Red Bull in the mid-table positions. In conclusion, this Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bull prediction sees a closely fought encounter on the cards.
