NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls preview: Can the Pigeons get a Hudson River Derby sweep?

In May, New York City FC beat the New York Red Bulls 2-1 in their home Hudson River Derby.  Now, the Pigeons will head into New Jersey to enemy territory for the second derby of the year.  Not only will the Pigeons play for the trophy, but they will also seek to earn their first win in Major League Soccer since the beginning of July.

As such, NYCFC is winless in the last nine MLS matches and desperately needs all three points.  Fourth through seventh place in the Eastern Conference Standings are separated by three points, with RBNY in fourth and the Bronx side in seventh.  Therefore, this is a critical game because the blue team needs to end their winless streak and must win to remain in contention for fourth place.

It is vital that NYCFC scores more than one goal and does not give up late goals.  In their last three matches, the team only scored one goal each, drawing twice and losing once.  Then, they scored twice in the previous two games but gave up late goals in a loss and a draw.  A strong offense and defense is needed to beat the Red Bulls.

Let’s not waste any more time.  Here is the Hudson River Derby preview between NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls.

Date  

NYCFC and RBNY will face each other on Saturday, September 28.

Time

The fixture is at 7:30 PM ET.

Location 

The game will be in Harrison, NJ at Red Bull Arena.  This is considered an away fixture.

How to watch

Fans can watch the match on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.

Weather

Rain is in the forecast before, during, and after the Hudson River Derby.  It will be about 66 degrees with a 60% chance of showers before the game and as it is played.  When fans leave, it could still be raining.  The wind can have a slight impact on the match since it will be about 10 mph.

Injury report

NYCFC will be without Malachi Jones (right leg).  In addition, the Pigeons are without Santiago Rodríguez and Strahinja Tanasijević due to suspension from yellow card accumulation.    

Players to watch

As mentioned, Rodríguez is suspended for the derby.  So, NYCFC fans should watch Maxi Moralez.  The veteran will have to be the main driver in the midfield, which he is capable of doing.  More importantly, he cannot have a quiet game.  This is the derby, and the Pigeons need the Argentine to be at his very best.

Fans should also watch Lewis Morgan.  The forward continues to have a solid season with RBNY.  He has 12 goals and two assists in MLS and will be one of the bigger threats on the red side.

Prediction

Hope is needed for this Hudson River Derby, so it is time to put a positive prediction out into the universe.  NYCFC will win 3-1, scoring more than two goals for the first time in a while.  They will outplay the Red Bulls, but will give up at least one goal due to a mistake.