Both New York Red Bulls and New England Revolution will look to return to winning ways in MLS when they face off on Thursday morning.
The pair are currently separated by just three places and five points in the Eastern Conference standings.
Last time out, the New York Red Bulls fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Philadelphia Union.
That loss brought an end to the hosts’ three-game unbeaten run, so they will be eager to bounce back at the first time of asking this midweek.
As for New England, they snapped a two-match losing run when playing out a goalless draw with Austin FC on Sunday.
While Caleb Porter’s side can take some positives away from that stalemate, they are now without a win in their last six league matches, a sequence that stretches all the way back to the beginning of June.
How the bookies view it: Red Bulls to rebound
New York Red BullS come into this clash as short-priced 4/5 favourites on Boylesports. However, that price looks well worth getting behind given the fact that Sandro Schwarz’ side have banked 23 of their 30 MLS points at their Big Apple base this season.
New England Revolution – who have won just one of their last six league games away from home – are 14/5 underdogs on Boylesports, while a share of the Sports Illustrated Stadium spoils is also considered unlikely at 13/5 with the same firm.
Head to head: A close contest on the cards?
There is little to separate the duo in terms of the overall head-to-head record, with the Red Bulls reigning supreme 18 times, while New England have 19 victories to their name. Meanwhile, 13 of the overall 50 meetings ending all square.
It is worth noting that Schwarz’ team have taken top honours from each of their last two home games with the Revs.
Players to watch: More joy for Choupo-Moting?
With 12 goals across his 20 appearances in MLS this season, Eric Choupo-Moting stands out as an anytime goalscorer option here at an attractive 11/8 on Betfred.
Carles Gil has produced a number of eye-catching displays for New England Revolution this season, striking eight times and chipping in with five assists for good measure. The experienced Spanish midfielder looks overpriced to register another goal involvement here at 11/8 on Bet 365.
Predicted line-ups
Having both come on as half-time substitutes at the weekend, both Omar Valencia and Ronald Donkor are pushing for a place in the New York Red Bulls starting XI.
As was the case against Austin FC, New England boss Porter will once again be unable to call upon the services of injured duo Alexander Bono and Ilay Feingold.
New York Red Bulls: Coronel; Valencia , S. Nealis, D. Nealis; Duncan, Stroud, Donkor, Ngoma; Sofo, Choupo-Moting, Forsberg
New England Revolution: Ivacic; Ceballos, Fofana, Beason; Bye, Polster, Yusuf, Miller; Gil; Urruti, Campana
Anything else catch the eye?
New York Red Bulls hold plenty of appeal to score two or more goals during this contest at 4/5 on Boylesports.
Schwarz’ side have been particularly potent in front of goal on their own patch this season, hitting multiple goals in eight of their 10 MLS home matches so far.
That doesn’t augur well for a New England Revolution rearguard that have conceded two goals or more in four of their last five outings.
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