Toronto FC welcome New York Red Bulls to BMO Stadium for a midweek Eastern Conference MLS fixture, with both teams desperate for a win. The hosts are looking to snap a recent poor run of form while the visitors are eyeing the playoff places.
Toronto have found things difficult this season and are currently second from bottom in the Eastern Conference. They have lost four of their last five matches and were beaten 2-0 at home by Charlotte in their previous fixture.
That defeat to Charlotte maintains a poor home record for Toronto, who have won just once in all competitions at BMO Stadium. Robin Fraser's men have also lost four of their last five league matches in front of their fans.
New York Red Bulls are also coming off a defeat as they fell 2-1 at Austin FC last time out in the MLS. They fell two goals down before Noah Eile pulled one back nine minutes from time.
The good news for the Red Bulls is that they had picked up three straight wins prior to that result and manager Sandro Schwarz will be keen to get back on track. However, their away form needs some work, with two wins and three defeats in their last five matches on the road.
How the bookies view it: Red Bulls with the edge
New York Red Bulls have the edge among the bookies and are priced at 5/4 by BoyleSports to claim the win. Toronto are considered outsiders, with a home win valued 19/10, while a draw is set at odds of 9/4.
Head to head: Red Bulls on top
New York Red Bulls have a 27-10 advantage, with 12 draws from 49 previous matches against Toronto. The visitors are unbeaten in the last six meetings, earning four wins in that run, including a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Eyes on Choupo-Moting
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has been the standout player for New York Red Bulls, scoring 10 league goals so far. Emil Forsberg has also found the net five times this season and both men can ensure the visitors produce over 1.5 goals – valued at 11/20 with BoyleSports.
Ola Brynhildsen has two goals in his last four matches for Toronto and could be worth keeping an eye on. The forward can combine with Lorenzo Insigne to produce over 1.5 goals for the hosts (home team over 1.5 goals at 4/11).
Probable line-ups
Toronto have some injury problems, with Federico Bernardeschi and Deandre Kerr currently sidelined. Brynhildsen is expected to lead the line once again, with Insigne set to provide support.
New York Red Bulls are without Omar Valencia, Dylan Nealis and Serge Ngoma, who are all out with injury. Choupo-Moting is expected to feature in attack while Forsberg should retain his place in the team.
Toronto FC: Johnson, Thompson, Rosted, Stefanovic, Petretta, Flores, Osorio, Etienne, Insigne, Dominguez, Brynhildsen.
New York Red Bulls: Coronel, Duncan, Hack, Eile, Edwards, Edelman, Stroud, Harper, Carmona, Forsberg, Choupo-Moting.
Anything else catch the eye?
Toronto and New York Red Bulls have both scored in three of their last four meetings and BTTS YES is valued at 3/4 with BoyleSports. Four of the last five meetings have produced over 2.5 goals – available at Evens.
New York Red Bulls have opened the scoring in four of the last five meetings (New York Red Bulls to score first at 20/23).
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