NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls preview: Who will win the Hudson River Derby?

New York City FC’s time to make the playoffs is starting to run out.  The current 12th-place team has six matches remaining in Major League Soccer play.  Four of those fixtures will be at home.  Yet, Yankee Stadium and Citi Field have not been the fortresses they have been in the past.  Wins are not guaranteed.

The first of those home games will take place this weekend when NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls play in the third Hudson River Derby of the year.  So far, the New Jersey team has had the edge over the Pigeons.  Both times, they won 1-0. 

Therefore, revenge will be sought after.  The players know what is at stake.  Yes, there is a trophy after all of these years, but more importantly, three points are needed for any hope of the postseason.

Let’s not waste time.  Here is the preview of the upcoming Hudson River Derby.

When is the match between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls?

The match will take place on Saturday, September 16 at 3:30 PM.                     

Where is the NYCFC game?

The game will take place in the Bronx, NY at Yankee Stadium.

Where can fans watch the NYCFC game? 

Fans can catch NYCFC on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.  This game will be available for free.

What can New York City FC expect from the Red Bulls?

New York City FC can expect the same Red Bulls team they have already faced this year.  They know they can outplay the New Jersey side, but that does not matter if goals are not scored.  Hence, the Bronx team must watch for counter-attacks and the opportunities the visitors take. 

Based on this season, the biggest threat will be Omir Fernandez.  He scored in both 1-0 wins and recently in the Red Bulls’ loss to the Philadelphia Union in their last match. He has six goals in all competitions, leading the team in 2023.  NYCFC will have to find a way to stop him if they want to grab all three points.

Which NYCFC player should supporters watch?

NYCFC supporters should watch Mounsef Bakrar in the upcoming Hudson River Derby.  The Pigeons desperately need goals, and hopefully, his goals from the last two games will spark him to score a few more before the end of the season.  In fact, if he does score again, then one can assume he is officially adjusting to life in the Big Apple.

Moreover, Bakrar is the lone striker on the roster, despite NYCFC’s insistence that Talles Magno can play in the number nine role.  The pressure for him to contribute in the attack will be heavy on his shoulders. 

What is the prediction for New York City FC?

New York City FC knows they cannot afford to drop any points at home for the rest of 2023.  The Pigeons have to win.

So, positivity can spread.  That is why the prediction for the Hudson River Derby is a positive one.  NYCFC will win, 3-0. 

In all honesty, whether they win will come down to Nick Cushing’s tactic choices and the Starting XI.  It will not be easy, but the supporters can cheer the boys in City Blue on to all three points.  New York City FC has the chance to claim the first-ever Hudson River Derby trophy.  Will it happen though?  Everything must fall into place for the win.