- New York Red Bulls have the better recent form with 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat from their last 5.
- Charlotte have won 2 of their last 3, so confidence should be high.
Tactical clash of intensity versus structure at Sports Illustrated Stadium
This match looks like a clash of two decent but perhaps slightly flawed tactical styles. New York Red Bulls boss Ibrahim Sekagya has his men playing with the expected Red Bull intensity and intensity, but there is a little more control to their build-up play than in previous years and they can switch up their shapes when needed. Dean Smith has Charlotte nicely organised and ready to be pragmatic when needed, relying on discipline at the back, overlapping full backs and plenty of quick vertical breaks.
Pep Biel, who has 7 goals in 15 MLS matches so far, is a real focal point and clinical finisher for Charlotte and they have a bit of a 'live wire' in Idan Toklomati, who has added 2 of Charlotte's 6 goals to their tally in the last 5 matches.
New York Red Bulls are the slight favourites at 2.22, although Charlotte can be backed at 2.78 and the draw at 3.85 looks a little short given the respective records of the two teams in the early stages of MLS 2026. The hosts are better in the short term with 4 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats from their last 10 in all competitions, while Charlotte come into this match-up with 4 wins, 1 draw and 5 defeats.
Red Bulls can edge it, but Charlotte could make this a scrap
RBNY have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 2 at home in all competitions, while Charlotte are yet to win away in 3 attempts (D0, L3). The hosts have averaged 2.00 goals per game at this venue and conceded 2.17 per game, which suggests there will be a few goals in this game. Charlotte have won their last 2 matches, while New York Red Bulls lost 1-0 at home to New York City FC and won 1-0 away at Sporting Kansas City in their previous two games.
The goal markets are not generous, with Over 2.5 at 1.5 and Both Teams To Score - Yes at 1.44. BTTS-No at 2.6 should keep a cagey upset in play, but we are siding with RBNY's better form by going for both teams to score and a New York win at 2.22, although Charlotte's win streak suggests this will be a close match.
