Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the MLS match.
New York Red Bulls
The Red Bulls are holding onto a direct play-off spot, but New York City FC are only four goals behind. A couple of recent setbacks have hampered the team, including a 2:1 defeat to Austin and a 1:1 draw away at Toronto. Both of those matches were on the road. At Sports Illustrated Stadium, though, New York have been formidable: they have dropped just five points all season and are currently on a four-game winning run at home, scoring 14 goals and conceding only two in the process.
Minnesota United FC
Minnesota have collected eight points from their last five fixtures — a decent return, but perhaps not enough for a side sitting in the conference’s top three. Their position has been helped by the fact that closest challengers have games in hand. In June, they picked up wins largely thanks to their attacking efforts, netting three goals in each of their wins over Seattle Sounders (3:2) and Houston Dynamo (3:1). Whether they can repeat that attacking success against New York remains to be seen.
New York Red Bulls vs Minnesota United Prediction
New York have only once conceded more than two goals in a match this season — a 1:4 defeat to Inter Miami CF, with goals from both Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi. No other side has managed more than two against them, which makes it difficult to see Minnesota taking all three points here. A draw appears to be their best hope, but goals at both ends seem likely.
