- New York Red Bulls are in better short-term form than Charlotte with 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat from their last 5 matches.
- Away from home in all competitions, Charlotte are yet to win after 3 trips with 3 defeats, 0 draws and 9 goals conceded.
Red Bulls have a home-field advantage
In this New York Red Bulls vs Charlotte preview, New York Red Bulls may have the edge over Charlotte in this early-season MLS match-up, but they are only a shade of favorites at 2.22 to win at Sports Illustrated Stadium with the visitors coming in at 2.78 and the draw at 3.85.
Both sides have had mixed records since the start of the MLS campaign, so it's no surprise to see them closely matched by the odds-makers, but there are some significant differences in their recent performances. New York Red Bulls arrive in better form, having taken three wins, one draw and one defeat from their last five matches, while Charlotte are without a win in their three away trips.
Red Bulls have been more consistent than the Panthers with four wins, two draws and four defeats from their last 10 matches in all competitions, while Charlotte have four wins, one draw and five defeats from the same number of games. New York Red Bulls vs Charlotte prediction points to a tight contest, but the hosts' recent momentum may give them the edge.
Panthers' pace can be a factor
Dean Smith has got Charlotte organized and playing pragmatically, with his team using their defensive discipline to keep opponents contained and their pace on the outside to create chances to score. Pep Biel has provided them with their main goal threat, netting seven goals in his 15 MLS appearances so far, so they always have someone to find the net if it is a tight game.
Ibrahim Sekagya has New York Red Bulls set up with the famous Red Bull intensity, but they will play in a more controlled fashion with the ball and can adapt in various shapes to cause problems. For New York Red Bulls vs Charlotte betting tips, Idan Toklomati has two goals in his last five games and the visitors look to have the extra spark to come out on top here.
Goals the play at Sports Ilustrated
New York Red Bulls have two wins, two draws and two defeats in their six home games in all competitions this season, averaging 2.00 goals scored and 2.17 goals against.
The stats look like a market with too much of a home bias right now with Over 2.5 at 1.5 and Both Teams to Score - Yes at 1.44 the likely outcomes. But Charlotte have beaten two teams in their last two outings, Toronto FC 3-1 and New England Revolution 1-0, and they should have enough to keep the game close even if Red Bulls nick it. New York Red Bulls vs Charlotte prediction leans toward both teams getting on the scoresheet in a competitive match.
A New York win with both teams to score looks the sharpest selection on the exact score market if this one opens up - which seems likely because that clash of styles is all about press versus structure.
