The New York Red Bulls (5-2-5) will try to extend their win streak to three games on Wednesday when they take on the struggling Vancouver Whitecaps (3-4-6).
New York Red Bulls
The Red Bulls have started to stack the results early this season, as they managed to pick up another win in their last game against a tough Atlanta United side. Wednesday gives the Red Bulls an opportunity to cover some ground in the Eastern Conference, with a win propelling New York to fourth place in the East on 20 points. The Red Bulls will have to face the challenge of bringing in a new defender in the backline. Center Back Tim Parker picked up a red card in the Red Bulls last match, suspending him from Wednesday’s game against the Whitecaps. Parker has started 10 matches in the center of the Red Bulls defense this season, and his absence will be a challenge for this side. Youngster Sean Neilis is expected replace Parker, which would represent his second start of the season.
The Red Bulls have been in decent form heading into Wednesday night’s home game. Winners of their last two games, the Red Bulls have put up a 4-0-2 record in their last six matches. New York has been a mid-table home team this season, going 4-0-3 in seven home games so far. The Red Bulls have won three of their last four matches at home, and have a 3-0-2 record in their last five home games.
New York Red Bulls MLS Form
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Vancouver Whitecaps
The Whitecaps of Vancouver take to the road for a mid-week MLS showdown with the Red Bulls as they look to shake their recent funk. Despite decent defensive performances over recent weeks, the Whitecaps have been unable to string together positive results. One big problem has been the lack of scoring in Vancouver. After the dangerous attacking force of Alphonso Davies and Kei Kamara departed the club after the 2018 season, the Whitecaps have had a massive problem replacing their productivity. Offseason acquisition Fredy Montero was brought in to fill in as the goal scorer on this team, but the 31-year-old striker has gotten off to a slow start, scoring just three goals in 12 appearances. Vancouver desperately need Montero to pick up. With just 12 team goals all season, the Whitecaps are tied for the second-lowest goal tally out of any MLS team.
Vancouver could use a big result on Wednesday, as they’ve hit a small winless patch early in the season. The Whitecaps are winless in their last two matches, and have went 2-2-2 over the last six matches. The Whitecaps are looking to improve on their form away from home as well. Vancouver has picked up just five points on the road so far this season, going 1-2-3 in six away matches.
Vancouver Whitecaps MLS Form
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The Odds
Here are how the odds to win the match look from the bookies ahead of the game.
New York Red Bulls to win @ 1.53 (8/15) with Unibet.
Vancouver Whitecaps to win @ 7.00 (6/1) with William Hill.
Draw @ 4.33 (10/3) with Sportingbet.
Odds taken at 08:00 GMT 22/05/2019
Key Points
- The New York Red Bulls have scored first in their last five games
- Nine out of the last 10 games involving the Vancouver Whitecaps has had less than 2.5 goals scored
- The New York Red Bulls have won four of their last five games
Our Verdict and Best Bets
The Red Bulls play host to the Whitecaps on Wednesday in the lone mid-week MLS matchup. Neither of these teams have separated themselves from the rest of the mid-table pack so far this season, as both sides lack potent goal scoring threats. The Red Bulls top scorer has two goals, while Vancouver’s top scorer has netted only three goals all season. Bettors should consider putting their money on the under in this matchup Sportsbooks have the over/under line at 3.5, making the under a no-brainer for us.
