Toronto may be sitting comfortably in the MLS playoff slots but recent form suggests that there could be scope for a reverse in Sunday’s match in New York against the Red Bulls (3.30pm ET).
Greg Vanney’s Canadian side come into this clash on the back of one win in three and, while defeat to Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia is no disgrace, the nature of the 5-0 demolition will be concerning for fans.
New York Red Bulls are next up and, with the hosts currently occupying seventh place, this is an important clash for both sides. It could be tight but what do the big names in the world of sportsbooks make of it? Read on for our NYRB vs TFC predictions, preview and ultimate betting picks against the oddsmakers.
Red Bulls vs Toronto Moneyline Odds
There is potential for value on all three possible outcomes for this game as the odds have all climbed above +100. With the benefit of home advantage, New York Red Bulls are the favorites at an industry best of +115 while victory for Toronto comes next at a top price of +230. Completing the moneyline market is a share of the points which can be backed at an average of around +250.
Toronto’s form has been patchy but victory over Inter Miami last time out puts them level with Philadelphia at the top of the Conference following Union’s defeat to Columbus Crew. It has been another positive season for Vanney’s side but that recent blip will make backers wary of getting behind the home win.
As for the Red Bulls, they were unbeaten in five ahead of their most recent outing, a 5-2 loss to cross-city rivals NYCFC. The form guide may point to a draw but, before we commit, let’s look at the individual players who can turn the game.
NYRB vs TFC Prop Bets
Toronto’s most dangerous player across the current MLS season has been Alejandro Pozuelo who has nine goals from 22 league matches. The former Real Betis and Swansea City striker is maintaining his overall goals to games ratio since switching to Canada in 2019 and he looks to be Toronto’s main source of goals on Sunday.
For New York Red Bulls, goal scoring responsibilities have been shared around with Daniel Royer and Brian White at the top of the charts with four strikes each. The modest returns continue throughout the side but those two players will attract some attention in the individual goal scorer betting.
Recent matches involving either side have been high scoring at times. Toronto and the Red Bulls both conceded five against Philadelphia and NYCFC respectively and that hints at some issues within the defenses.
We can therefore make a strong argument for backing Both Teams to Score which is available for this game at -200. That’s about as short as BTTS gets and while that’s not a particularly attractive figure, it looks to be one of the most likely props for Saturday’s game.
Total combined goals is another prop bet to consider and, by backing over the 2.5 line, we can currently obtain odds of around -150. Pushing that bet to over 3.5 increases the figures to an average of +140. Choosing between the two comes down to personal preference and how much exposure that you are comfortable with. Given previous results involving these sides, we should see plenty of attacking intent and we will be looking to go over 3.5 this time.
As for a final, correct score suggestion, if you’re on board with our theory that this should end in a high scoring draw, a 2-2 final outcome is currently available at an industry best of +1100.
Our Betting Preview’s NYRB vs TFC Predictions & Picks Verdict
The stats show that the Red Bulls have scored seven times in their last five matches while conceding nine at the wrong end of the pitch. As for Toronto, they’ve found the net on just four occasions while letting in eight over the same period. Those aren’t prolific numbers and, if we take away the two defeats where the sides both conceded five goals, there have been some especially low scoring affairs.
However, the defense in both camps does look to be vulnerable, so USAbetting is staying with the prediction of goals at the Red Bull Arena on Sunday. Both Teams to Score should be the safer option but we’ll stick with the longer priced pick of over 3.5 Goals.
One of those strikes from Alejandro Pozuelo will offer a decent return too as the Spanish striker looks to improve on his current goal tally.
As for the result, form has been mixed and we expect the two teams to cancel each other out. A share of the points looks a strong outcome for this important clash where both teams have plenty at stake. If you disagree, there is the potential for value across the moneyline pick and a host of props but we’re looking for these three bets to return a sound profit as the climax of our New York Red Bulls vs Toronto FC predictions for this preview:
- First of our trio of betting picks is to back the draw on the moneyline @ best odds of +282 with Bookmaker.
- Go over 3.5 goals @ +150 with Bovada. It is +140 with Intertops.
- Expect Alejandro Pozuelo to score at any time @ +210 with Intertops.
Matt Harris is a golf and soccer expert for USA Betting. His other area of specialist knowledge is cricket. He is well known in sports journalism and contributes articles to a plethora of big-name websites and media outlets. Titles that he writes or has written for include: Betfair, BetVictor, Unibet & Just Bookies.