Prediction: Pachuca vs New York Red Bulls

Verdict: Under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Hoping to pick up a first Leagues Cup victory at the second attempt in midweek, New York Red Bulls will travel to Pachuca in the early hours of Wednesday.

Pachuca

Starting with the hosts, while Pachuca might have claimed another play-off ticket last season, Guillermo Almada’s side have struggled to find any real stability since opening up the 2024 campaign. Making an immediate return to losing ways last week as they fell to a routine 2-0 defeat away at U.N.A.M, the Gophers have recorded just a single victory from any of their first four Liga MX appearances. Getting proceedings underway on July 8th with a 1-0 loss at the hands of Monterrey, the former Santos Laguna boss will also have a mounting headache over his side’s issues in the final third. Including a 0-0 stalemate against Leon earlier in the month, Pachuca have drawn a blank in three of their opening four Liga MX showdowns.

Team News

Making the move from Spanish outfit Real Oviedo this summer, one-time Aston Villa striker Borja Baston will spearhead Pachuca’s charge here. Finding the net for the Liga MX all-stars last weekend, former Sevilla attacked Oussama Idrissi will partner Baston in the final third.

Despite enjoying what was a real Copa America romp this summer after notching three goals in as may appearances for Venezuela, ex-Everton star Salomon Rondon will likely have to settle for a spot on the bench.

New York Red Bulls

As for the visitors, suffering real frustration at home against Toronto last weekend as they fell to a penalties defeat against Toronto, New York will know the importance of making an immediate response here. However, despite heading into the MLS’ summer break with an eye-catching 3-1 romp against Cincinnati, the Red Bulls have largely flattered to deceive. Gaining a reputation as a real stalemate specialist, Sandro Schwarz’s men have collected just two wins from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. With that inconsistent rut stemming all the way back to May 19th, Wednesday’s guests have also shown some rather glaring issues on the road. Including a 1-0 loss against New England last month, Schwartz’s men have recorded just a single victory on their travels since the start of April.

Team News

Dealing with what has become a real injury nightmare since arriving from German giants RB Leipzig this summer, Swedish international Emil Forsberg remains on the sidelines. Likewise, not making a single appearance across any competition since the middle of April, one-time West Ham youngster Peter Stroud remains on the sidelines.

Notching 12 MLS strikes this season and featuring for Scotland at this summer’s European Championships, 27-year-old Lewis Morgan will play a leading role in the early hours of Wednesday.

Key Factors to Consider

• New York Red Bulls have collected just a pair of victories from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, Wednesday’s guests have recorded just a sole victory away from the Red Bull Arena since the start of April.
• Pachuca have recorded just a single win from any of their opening four Liga MX appearances.
• The Gophers have also drawn a blank in three of their first four domestic showdowns.
• Three of New York’s last four matchups on the road have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Suffering penalties heartbreak at home against Toronto last weekend as they opened their Leagues Cup adventure with a toothless display, New York are seeking a much-needed response here. Only mustering a pair of wins from any of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions, the MLS outfit will have plenty of pressure on their shoulders here. However, with the Red Bulls seeing three of their previous four away fixtures finish with under 2.5 goals, we are expecting a similar outcome in midweek.

Verdict: Under 3.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Dachbet