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Philadelphia Union return to Subaru Park this midweek hoping for a positive restart in what has been a disappointing MLS campaign when they welcome New York Red Bulls.
The hosts sit bottom of the Eastern Conference after a difficult first half of the season, while the Red Bulls are firmly in the playoff places and will be looking to continue the positive form they showed before the league paused.
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.
Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls key stats
- Philadelphia Union are still searching for their first home win of the 2026 MLS season.
- New York Red Bulls have won their last two away matches.
- New York Red Bulls are unbeaten in their last four MLS matches.
Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls preview: New era begins with pressure mounting
Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls — Tale of the Tape
| Philadelphia Union | vs | New York Red Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| 15th | Position | 5th |
| 7 | Points | 22 |
| 18 | Goals For | [25 |
| 32 | Goals Against | 30 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 15th | Home / Away Rank | 4th |
Philadelphia have endured a frustrating campaign that has left them rooted to the foot of the Eastern Conference after 15 league matches.
A dramatic 6-4 defeat to Inter Miami before the World Cup break summed up their defensive struggles and ultimately led to significant changes, with Ryan Richter taking interim charge following Bradley Carnell's departure.
Richter's immediate priority will be improving the Union's home form, which has been one of the weakest in MLS this season, as they remain the only team yet to register a home league victory, although they have managed to avoid defeat in each of their last three matches at Subaru Park.
There is at least some encouragement from their recent home record against New York, as Philadelphia are unbeaten in their last 11 home meetings with the Red Bulls across all competitions.
The visitors return to action with far greater confidence after building momentum before the league paused.
Michael Bradley's side claimed a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City in their most recent outing, extending their unbeaten MLS run to four matches and strengthening their position inside the Eastern Conference playoff places.
Defensive organisation has been a key factor in that improvement, with the Red Bulls conceding one goal or fewer in three of their last four league fixtures.
Their away record has also shown signs of progress, and another victory would already surpass last season's total of two MLS away wins.
Having beaten Philadelphia in their most recent meeting, the visitors have a chance to secure consecutive league victories over the Union for the first time in a decade.
Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls form guide & betting tips
| Philadelphia Union | vs | New York Red Bulls |
|---|---|---|
D
L
L
D
L
|
Form |
L
W
W
D
W
|
| 2 | Points | 10 |
| 14th | Form Table | 3rd |
| 9 | Goals For | 9 |
| 13 | Goals Against | 7 |
D
L
L
D
L
|
Form (All Comps) |
L
W
W
D
W
|
Whispers predicts: Philadelphia Union 1-2 New York Red Bulls
New York Red Bulls were unbeaten in four consecutive league matches before the break, while Philadelphia remain without a home victory, making the away win at 3/1 (4.00) an appealing selection.
The Union's defensive problems have contributed to several high-scoring matches this season, and over 2.5 goals at 4/9 (1.44)offers value if the visitors can dictate the game.
> Over 2.5 goals at 4/9 (1.44) | Likelihood: Likely
> Both teams to score – Yes at 10/21 (1.48) | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result – New York Red Bulls to win at 3/1 (4.00) | Likelihood: Probable
> Correct score – Philadelphia Union 1-2 New York Red Bulls at 12/2 (7.00) | Likelihood: Outsider