New York Red Bulls vs Los Angeles FC Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Both New York RB and LA FC are enjoying fine seasons in the MLS, and the two high flying clubs clash in the league on Sunday. Both teams have the confidence to believe they can win this game, but each will have plenty of respect for the other. These two teams have never met before and were hoping for an open, end to end game between two of the MLS’s most attacking sides, one their fans will never forget.

New York RB finished sixth in the Eastern Conference last year, but went on to make it through to the semi-finals of the play-offs. This season Wright-Phillips and co remain in the hunt for first place, but currently sit behind local rivals new York City and table toppers Atlanta United. The Red Bulls have a game in hand on New York City and two over Atlanta United and if they were to win both then they would move to the top of the table.

With four wins and two defeats from their last six matches New York RB are in good form, but did surprisingly lose at home to Columbus Crew 3-2 last weekend. Whether or not that result is just a blip will probably be answered after Sunday’s game against LA FC, as Red Bulls have the home advantage and are in better form than their guests.

Bradley Wright-Phillips had a slow start to life in New York, making just nine appearances and scoring two goals in 2013. However, ever since then the former Southampton, Plymouth and Charlton striker has been one of New York RB most consistent performers. Wright-Phillips scored 31 goals in 2014, 18 the season after, then 25 in 2016, and 19 in the last campaign. As things stand the English forward has fourteen goals this season and there is still time for the 33-year old to make it to the twenty landmark.

LA FC have done things a little differently in terms of relying on one out and out goalscorer, instead they have former Hull City forward Diomande on nine league goals, Mexico international Vela on eight, Uruguay’s Rossi on six, and Blessing chipping in with five. There certainly is a team ethic amongst the LA FC squad, with everyone playing for each other and the shirt, and no sign of any egos.

LA FC have taken the MLS by storm in their debut season, as nobody expected them to be a real threat to the play-offs let alone the top spot in the Western Conference. Right from the off LA FC have been consistent, attacking every team they faced and showing no fear. If not for a poor spell in May then they might even sit top of the table now, but they won’t mind too much as they currently occupy the next best place.

A shock 5-1 hammering in their last away game at Minnesota United is a worry though, and everyone is waiting to see how they respond in New York on Sunday. There was no Vela that day and Diamonde started on the bench, but that’s no excuse for the poor defending that eventually cost LA FC in that game. The MLS’s latest franchise responded well in their next home game, a 2-2 draw with local rivals LA Galaxy, but were pegged back after being 2-0 up for the majority of the match.

We’re confident that both teams will score in this game and that the match will feature over 2.5 goals, because these are two of the most attacking sides in the MLS. Two of New York Rb last six results have ended 3-2, while five of LA FC’s last six matches have produced over 2.5 goals. After losing 5-1 at Minnesota United in their last away game it’s hard to see LA FC beating New York RB in their own backyard, and with that in mind, we’re backing the hosts to win a five goal thriller by three goals to two.