Prediction: NY Red Bulls vs Orlando City

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 47/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

While most of the major leagues across Europe have now come to an end, it seems as if the smart money would be to focus on the Euros this summer – but we suggest you think again. While international tournaments are always exciting, we still have a lot of intriguing club football to enjoy too. If you want proof of that, look no further than the intriguing battle between New York Red Bulls and Orlando City this week as the Major League Soccer season continues.

New York Red Bulls

The takeover of the Red Bulls in the world of association football is interesting to some but also fairly nauseating to others – depending on which side of the spectrum you fall on regarding brands in the beautiful game. New York, as an example, hasn’t quite been able to consistently live up to the hype over the years, with many hoping the next decade or so can mark a real turning point for this franchise and their fortunes in the MLS.

Team News

Reyes is set to be suspended in the wake of his red card against New England last week. Elsewhere, NYRB have a parade of injury problems to deal with as Pendant, Long, Tarek and Valot are all on the shelf.

Orlando City

Orlando City has arguably one of the most entertaining fanbases in the entire league but for whatever reason, they always struggle to push themselves that extra bit further towards MLS glory. This time around, though, they’re unbeaten after six league games, something that gives many renewed hope that they can make a name for themselves this season. If they want to do so, winning a game like this and making a statement could be integral.

Team News

The main man Nani is out of action here courtesy of a two-match suspension handed down to him by the MLS. Moutinho is also a doubt after missing a large portion of the season thus far with Pato and Rosell also injured.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in October, NY Red Bulls and Orlando drew 1-1.
• NY Red Bulls have won two and lost four of their last six games.
• Orlando have won three and drawn three of their last six games.
• NY Red Bulls have scored eight goals and conceded nine in their last six games.
• Orlando have scored seven goals and conceded two in their last six games.

Conclusion

With the Red Bulls being a little bit chaotic and Orlando keeping it tight at the back, we tend to think there’s going to be quite an interesting clash of styles here. The visitors want to try and protect their positive start to the campaign whereas New York are all over the place right now. As such, we’re going to back a 0-0 draw in this one – which may not lead to many new fans, although it’ll definitely prove Orlando are turning into a more refined outfit.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 47/20

Bookmaker: 888sport