Prediction: New York Red Bulls vs Charlotte

Verdict: New York Red Bulls win

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Two sides who are looking to find a route into the play-off places in midweek, New York will welcome Charlotte to the Red Bull Arena in the early hours of Thursday.

New York Red Bulls

Starting with the hosts, making an immediate return to losing ways before heading into the international break, New York are desperate to try and find some much-needed stability. Last seen on June 3rd when getting hit with a nightmare 3-0 drumming at home against Orlando, Troy Lesense’s men have now lost three of their last four domestic appearances across all competitions. Likewise, crashing out of the US Open Cup in May 23rd following a penalties defeat at the hands of Cincinnati, the Red Bulls have also shown some recent issues in the final third. Along with a 1-0 loss away at Seattle last month, it should be highlighted that New York have bagged just a single strike in their previous three MLS showdowns. Tipped as an outside contender to claim a play-off ticket this season, Lesense’s side will know that they face a crucial battle in the early hours of Thursday.

Team News

Shown a pair of bookings in New York’s 3-0 defeat against Orlando last time out, the red Bulls will be without 23-year-old Andres Reyes through suspension. Likewise, dealing with an extended injury issue, Lesense’s men will also be without attacking starlet Serge Ngoma in the early hours of Thursday.

Finding the net while away on international duties with Jamaica earlier in the week, former Philadelphia striker Cory Burke will spearhead New York’s charge in midweek.

Charlotte

As for the visitors, while Charlotte might have found themselves enjoying a real May purple patch, the Crown have come crashing back down to earth in some style. Despite being last seen heading into the international break with a stunning 3-3 draw at home against Seattle, Christian Lattanzio’s men have claimed just a single win from any of their last six domestic appearances – a run that stems all the way back to May 17th. Likewise, crashing out of the US Open Cup thanks to an infamous 1-0 loss away at USL outfit Birmingham on May 24th, Charlotte have also gained a reputation for their extended defensive issues. On a run that is highlighted by a 4-2 loss against Columbus earlier in the month, Thursday’s guests have recorded just a sole MLS clean sheet over the past six weeks.

Team News

Suffering a thigh injury and not making a single appearance since May 13th, Charlotte are still sweating over the fitness of former Derby midfielder Kamil Jozwiak in midweek. Notching five MLS goals this season, Polish international Karol Swiderski will spearhead Lattanzio’s attack at the Red Bull Arena.

Bagging his first MLS strike since making the move from Burnley last year, 33-year-old Ashley Westwood will lead Charlotte out in the early hours of Thursday.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse MLS showdown on March 25th, New York and Charlotte played out a 1-1 draw at the Bank of America Stadium.
• The Red Bulls have lost just one of their four previous meetings against Thursday’s guests.
• However, New York have lost three of their last four domestic appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, Charlotte have recorded just a single win from their previous six domestic appearances – a run that stems back to May 17th.
• Along with shipping seven goals in their back-to-back MLS appearances, Thursday’s guests have picked up just one clean sheet since the start of May.

Conclusion

Heading into the international break with a nightmare 3-0 drumming at the hands of Orlando, New York know that they face what is a must-win showdown in the early hours of Thursday. Losing three of their last four domestic appearances and still battling outside the play-off places, the midweek hosts will be desperate to make an Eastern Conference statement here. Meeting a Charlotte squad who are in the midst of their own extended rut, Lesense’s men should be boosted by an eye-catching record against Thursday’s guests. Losing just one of their last four meetings against the Crown and picking up a 2-0 win the last time that they visited the Red Bull Arena, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: New York Red Bulls win

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Olympusbet