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Separated by just two points in the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference, New York Red Bulls and Orlando City will do battle at the Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday.
The hosts have fallen to eighth spot with consecutive defeats since the World Cup break, while the visitors sit 10th having begun to kickstart their campaign with back-to-back wins.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
New York Red Bulls vs. Orlando City key stats
- New York Red Bulls have won just one of their last five MLS home games.
- New York Red Bulls are unbeaten in 6 H2Hs including a 2-1 away win in late February.
- No MLS team have conceded more goals than Orlando City (44) this season.
- Orlando City have kept their first two clean sheets of the season in their last two games while scoring five goals.
New York Red Bulls vs. Orlando City preview: Orlando City to make it three wins in a row since Griezmann's arrival?
New York Red Bulls vs. Orlando City — Tale of the Tape
| New York Red Bulls | vs | Orlando City |
|---|---|---|
| 8th | Position | 10th |
| 22 | Points | 20 |
| 26 | Goals For | 28 |
| 37 | Goals Against | 44 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 2 |
| 24th | Home / Away Rank | 20th |
New York Red Bulls come into the weekend aiming to bounce back to winning ways and return to the MLS Eastern Conference's top seven, having lost both games on their return from the World Cup break.
They currently find themselves eighth at the half-way stage of the regular term, having earned 22 points from their first 17 outings, winning six and losing seven of those while only two teams in the conference have conceded more than the 37 goals they have allowed.
Michael Bradley's team headed into the break in fine form with three wins and a draw in a four-match span, but they have failed to add to their tally in two games since, firstly losing 3-1 in a trip to Philadelphia Union.
Charlotte FC then visited the Sports Illustrated Stadium last time out and left with all three points from a 2-0 triumph, as Pep Biel and Ashley Westwood scored early goals to condemn the Red Bulls to a third home loss of the campaign, with Adri Mehmeti sent off late off while Rafael Mosquera remains sidelined coming into the weekend.
They will now bid to get back to winning ways at the weekend to kickstart a climb towards the top end of the Conference.
That will be a tough test, though, as the visitors arrive in a bid to make it three straight victories in their own climb after a tough start.
Orlando City appear to have found their groove in Major League Soccer after a slow start, having now won three and drawn one of their last five league games to climb to 10th spot in the Eastern Conference.
Martin Perelman's team firstly headed into the World Cup break on the back of a victory and a draw, and after returning with a 6-2 loss away at FC Cincinnati, they have won consecutive matches with clean sheets, beginning to improve on their poor early defensive record having conceded 44 goals in their first 15 matches.
That upturn has coincided with the arrival of Antoine Griezmann, who scored on debut alongside David Brekalo, Ivan Angulo and Braian Ojeda in a 4-0 away win over San Jose Earthquakes, before the Lions hosted Nashville SC last weekend and won 10 with Tyrese Spicer on the scoresheet.
Now with definite signs of encouragement from recent displays and boosted by their new star forward, with key midfielder Eduard Atuesta also back in the fold on Sunday after a suspension, Orlando City will hope to continue their winning streak in New York on Sunday.
New York Red Bulls vs. Orlando City form guide & betting tips
| New York Red Bulls | vs | Orlando City |
|---|---|---|
WDWLL |
Form | WDLWW |
| 7 | Points | 10 |
| 19th | Form Table | 7th |
| 7 | Goals For | 12 |
| 9 | Goals Against | 10 |
WDWLL |
Form (All Comps) | DWLWW |
Whispers predicts: New York Red Bulls 1-3 Orlando City
Despite their poor start to the season, Orlando City look revitalised recently, winning three of their last five games including their last two with clean sheets, while the hosts have suffered consecutive defeats and have often struggled at home this season. We fancy Orlando City to continue their streak and win the game at 2/1 (3.00).
Orlando City have scored two or more goals in eight of their last 11 matches, while New York Red Bulls have scored 13 and conceded 16 in eight home league matches this year. Over 3.5 goals is priced at 4/5 (1.80).
Antoine Griezmann has impressed in his first two games as an Orlando City player following a switch from Atletico Madrid, including a goal on debut, and will certainly act as a focal point in a rejuvenated side. We fancy him to score anytime at 21/20 (2.05).
> Orlando City to win at 2/1 (3.00) | Likelihood: Possible
> Over 3.5 goals at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Probable
> Antoine Griezmann to score anytime at 21/20 (2.05) | Likelihood: Possible