Two of the most competitive sides from the Eastern Conference square off on Saturday when the Philadelphia Union (8-4-4) host the New York Red Bulls (7-3-5). The Union are on top of the East, but the Red Bulls have won four of their last five, and have looked impressive as of late.
Philadelphia Union
The Union return home to play their fourth home game in the last five matches on Saturday. The last three home games yielded just two points for the Union, but this is not a fair reflection of Philadelphia’s performance at home. Despite going 0-2-1 in their last three matches at home, the Union have dominated in these matches, outshooting opponents by a tally of 64 to 29. In addition, Philadelphia has possessed the ball more than their opponent in each of these three games. Expect the experienced and versatile Union midfield to have a heavy influence on the result of this match. If the midfield sits back and soaks up too much pressure, it could be a long night for Philadelphia; but if the likes of Alejandro Bedoya and Jamiro Monteiro put together a crisp and cohesive performance, a good result would be very likely for the Union.
Despite sitting on top of the standings in the east, the Philadelphia Union have been slumping lately. The Union have won just one of their last four matches, putting up a 3-2-1 record in their last six. At home, Philadelphia has been one of the MLS’s best sides, going 5-2-2 and collecting 17 of a possible 27 points.
Philadelphia Union MLS Form
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New York Red Bulls
New York enters the weekend in fine position in the MLS standings. After 15 matches played, NYRB are in fifth place in the east with 24 points. Three points against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday would push this side to second in the standings in the east, adding an incentive to put in a big performance away from home. This is a Red Bulls team that enjoys the trip to Talen Energy Stadium to play the Union. New York hasn’t lost an away MLS fixture against Philadelphia in the last six attempts. The Red Bulls have an impressive record of 4-2-0 in their last six trips to Philly, making it one of their favorite destinations. If they are going to find success this weekend, the Red Bulls will need another big performance from their backline. New York is coming off of back-to-back shutout victories, as the center back partnership of Amro Tarek and Tim Parker continue to improve. If these two can continue to keep a tight back line, look for another solid road result for the Red Bulls.
After winning just one of their first seven matches, the New York Red Bulls have found their footing. New York has won six of the last eight matches they’ve played, going 6-1-1 over the span. The Red Bulls have been a run-of-the-mill side away from home this season. In six away matches, New York has a record of 2-2-2, accumulating eight points from a possible 18.
New York Red Bulls 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.
Philadelphia Union to win @ 2.10 (11/10) with Unibet.
New York Red Bulls to win @ 4.00 (3/1) with Betfair.
Draw @ 3.70 (27/10) with William Hill.
Odds taken at 09:00 GMT 08/06/2019
Key Points
- The Red Bulls have won their last two games away from home
- The Philadelphia Union has scored 28 goals so far this season (1st in Eastern Conference)
- The Red Bulls have scored first in seven of their last eight matches
Our Verdict and Best Bets
The Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls meet for the first time this season with early position in the east on the line. Both teams have started the season well, but the Red Bulls have looked like one of the league’s best teams in weeks leading up to this fixture. It seems as if New York has finally found their identity, which has been rooted in sound defense. The Red Bulls have not allowed over two goals in a match all season, and they’ve given up just two goals in the last five matches. Bettors should be considering placing wagers on the Under 3 goals, and the +.5 Red Bulls spread, as New York looks poised to take some points in Philadelphia this weekend in what appears to be a low scoring match.
