FC Cincinnati vs New York Red Bulls Prediction: Both sides are evenly matched

The Champions' are back in action against New York Red Bulls for the first Playoff match. They will be hoping to get a very strong start to the playoffs and add another silverware to their collection this season. FC Cincinnati ended last season on top of the MLS table and their opponents, New York Red Bulls, ended in 17th place. 

FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati come into the playoffs as champions of the league and also with huge expectations in the playoffs. Their first challenge since the end of the season will be New York Red Bulls.

FC Cincinnati picked up a total of 69 points from 20 wins, 9 draws and 5 defeats in 34 matches last season. Their overall statistics showed they scored 57 goals and conceded 39 goals throughout the season. They averaged 1.7 goals per game and had a conversion rate of 13%. And their defensive stats showed they conceded 1.1 goals per game and kept 12 clean sheets all season. Luciano Acosta was top scorer for FC Cincinnati with 17 goals, while he also registered 10 assists last season.

FC Cincinnati recorded 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in their final 5 games of the season. They also lost their last meeting against the Red Bulls by 2 goals to 1 but they won them by the same scoreline the first time both sides met last season.

Streaks

• More than 2.5 goals in 4/5 matches.
• Both teams scored in 5/7 matches.
• Less than 4.5 cards in 5/6 matches.

New York Red Bulls

The New York Red Bulls were in fine form towards the end of last season and they totally deserved their place in the playoffs. Their first match will be against the Champions; FC Cincinnati and they will be hoping to continue that good form and progress in the competition. The Red Bulls ended the season in 17th position with 43 points from 11 wins, 10 draws and 13 defeats in 34 matches. They scored 41 goals and conceded 41 throughout last season. They averaged 1.2 goals per game, with a 9% conversion rate. While defensively, they conceded 1.2 goals per game and kept 9 clean sheets. Omir Fernandez and Elias Manoel were joint top scorers for the Red Bulls, scoring 6 goals, while John Tolkin registered most assists (8) last season.

The Red Bulls picked up 4 wins out of 5 in their last 5 matches of the season and they will want to continue in that form when they face FC Cincinnati. They beat FC Cincinnati 2-1 in their most recent meeting 2 weeks ago.

Streaks

• Wins in 4 matches.
• First to score in 6/7 matches.
• More than 4.5 cards in 7/9 matches.
• Less than 10.5 corners in 6/7 matches.

Head to Head

FC Cincinnati and New York Red Bulls played 14 games against each other in the past. The Red Bulls won 6 matches, while FC Cincinnati won 5 matches and 3 matches ended in a draw.

Streaks

• FC Cincinnati are without a clean sheet in 7 matches.
• New York Red Bulls are without a clean sheet in 6 matches.
• Both teams scored in 6/6 matches.
• More than 4.5 cards in 6/6 matches.
• Less than 10.5 corners in 6/7 matches.

Analysis and Predictions

The Red Bulls were unstoppable in their final games of the season and if they can carry on that form into the playoffs, then they have a real chance to contend for the trophy. FC Cincinnati are coming off a very long and successful season and it would be interesting to see how they cope with the pressure in the playoffs. Either way, a tough match between two top opponents and both sides have a chance to win it ahead of the return leg. But I back both sides to grab a goal in this game.

• Both Teams to Score at 1.64 Odds
• More than 2.5 Goals at 1.76 Odds
• Under 9 Corners at 2.20 Odds