New York Red Bulls vs. Philadelphia Union Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 17 August 2025

As we approach round 27 of the Major League Soccer season, the New York Red Bulls are set to host the high-flying Philadelphia Union at the Sports Illustrated Stadium. Philadelphia Union currently top the standings with 51 points, showcasing their dominance this season, whereas New York Red Bulls find themselves in the 16th position with 36 points. Despite their league positions, this encounter promises excitement as the Red Bulls have been in good form lately, averaging 3.00 goals per game over their last five matches. However, their defense will need to step up, as they have managed only one clean sheet in this period.
Philadelphia Union, guided by Bradley Carnell, have had an impressive run but tend to concede late goals, making their games nail-biters. Tai Baribo, their top scorer with 15 goals, will be key in breaking down the Red Bulls’ defense.
Both teams have notable absentees: Kyle Duncan for New York Red Bulls and Jakob Glesnes for Philadelphia Union, both due to suspensions.
In previous encounters, goals have been sparse, so betting on under 2.5 goals might be wise. Expect a fiercely contested match that could go either way, but the bookmakers have odds nearly equal for both outcomes.
Mark your calendars for a thrilling night of football!

New York Red Bulls vs Philadelphia Union Prediction & Betting Tip

Based on the match facts and previous encounters, the recommended betting tip for this match is to bet on "Under 2.5 goals".

• Historically, matches between New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union tend to be low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals in 91% of their last 11 encounters.
• Philadelphia Union’s defense is compact and efficient, ensuring they concede an average of just one goal per game this season.
• New York Red Bulls’ high-intensity style disrupts opponents but does not always translate into high-scoring games, especially against a well-structured defense like Philadelphia’s.

Considering these factors, an outcome with less than 2.5 goals is highly likely.

New York Red Bulls vs Philadelphia Union Odds

Looking at the odds for the upcoming matchup between New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union, the bookmakers see this as a close contest, reflecting the competitiveness between these two sides. Despite the Union sitting at the top of the table, the odds don’t heavily favour either team, indicating a potentially tight and hard-fought game.

Given these odds, the match is expected to be an evenly balanced encounter. New York Red Bulls have an opportunity to leverage home advantage, while Philadelphia Union will aim to maintain their impressive form.

• New York Red Bulls’ high-intensity style could unsettle the Union despite the odds being almost equal.
• The potential for a draw makes it an intriguing betting option, given the odds of 3.51 reflecting a high possibility.
• Philadelphia Union, despite being top of the league, are only slightly favoured, highlighting the unpredictability of this fixture.

New York Red Bulls Team Analysis

New York Red Bulls Recent Performance

Recent Form: WLWWL

New York Red Bulls have had a mixed bag of results in their last five matches. They recently lost 3-2 to Philadelphia Union in the US Open Cup but have had some notable victories including a 2-1 win against Real Salt Lake and a 1-0 win over CD Guadalajara. The Red Bulls have demonstrated offensive firepower, averaging 3.00 goals per game in this period. However, their defense has been a touch inconsistent, securing just one clean sheet.
Adding to their campaign, New York Red Bulls will miss key players like Kyle Duncan due to suspension and injuries to Cameron Harper and Lewis Morgan, which might impact their overall performance. Despite these setbacks, the Red Bulls’ high-intensity style and recent form make them a resilient and unpredictable team.
With an upcoming match against Charlotte FC, the Red Bulls will be keen to solidify their standing and build momentum in the league.

New York Red Bulls Key Players

New York Red Bulls have a few standout players to watch in this matchup. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, the team’s top scorer, has netted 15 goals this season and will be pivotal in breaking down the Philadelphia defense. The midfield pairing of Ronald Donkor and Daniel Edelman also provide stability and distribution that can set up key plays.

Key individual battles to watch include Choupo-Moting against Philadelphia’s central defenders Neil Pierre and Olwethu Makhanya. This clash at the heart of the field could dictate the result of the game.

Expected lineup for New York Red Bulls:

• Goalkeeper: AJ Marcucci
• Defenders: Dylan Nealis, Sean Nealis, Alexander Hack, Raheem Edwards
• Midfielders: Ronald Donkor, Daniel Edelman, Wikelman Carmona, Emil Forsberg, Mohammed Sofo
• Forward: Eric Choupo-Moting

New York Red Bulls Suspensions & Injuries

New York Red Bulls will be without key players for this critical match against Philadelphia Union. Defender Kyle Duncan is suspended due to a red card and will miss this encounter. On the injury front, the Red Bulls face setbacks with Cameron Harper and Lewis Morgan, both sidelined with knee and thigh injuries, respectively. They are tentatively scheduled to return in late August 2025.
These absences could affect the team’s dynamics, particularly in defense and midfield. Duncan’s suspension means adjustments at the back, which might open up opportunities for Philadelphia’s attackers. Both Harper and Morgan are influential in the Red Bulls’ attacking strategies, so their absence might limit offensive options.
The depth of the squad will be tested, and it’s an opportunity for other players to step up and fill these pivotal roles.

New York Red Bulls Tactics and Formation

New York Red Bulls Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Eric Choupo-Moting
• Midfield Pivot: Ronald Donkor and Daniel Edelman
• Wingers: Wikelman Carmona (Right) and Mohammed Sofo (Left)
• Defensive Record: One clean sheet in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: High-intensity pressing and quick transitions.

The Red Bulls rely on a compact 4-2-3-1 formation that allows quick transitions from defense to attack. With Choupo-Moting leading the line, supported by wingers Carmona and Sofo, the Red Bulls look to exploit the flanks and deliver crosses into the box. The midfield duo of Donkor and Edelman focus on breaking up opposition play and recycling possession quickly.

Their high-pressing game disrupts opponent defenses but often leaves gaps at the back, which Philadelphia Union can exploit. Defensive depth and discipline will be crucial against a formidable Union side.

Philadelphia Union Team Analysis

Philadelphia Union Recent Performance

Recent Form: DWDDW

Philadelphia Union have demonstrated consistency in their recent form, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches. Their most recent outing saw them edge out New York Red Bulls 3-2 in the US Open Cup.

The Union have scored an average of 2.00 goals per game over this period, showcasing their attacking prowess. However, they have struggled defensively, failing to register a single clean sheet in these matches.
Maintaining their top spot on the table with 51 points, Philadelphia Union’s ability to score in 81% of their matches this season has been crucial to their success. Notably, Tai Baribo, their top scorer with 15 goals, continues to be a key figure in their attack.

With an upcoming fixture against Chicago Fire FC, the Union will aim to tighten up defensively while continuing their offensive threat.

Philadelphia Union Key Players

Philadelphia Union will look to their key players to maintain their top spot in the league. Tai Baribo, the club’s top scorer with 15 goals, will be the focal point of their attack. Another pivotal player is Kai Wagner, who provides stability and creativity from the left back position.

Key individual battles to watch will include Baribo going up against New York Red Bulls’ central defenders Sean Nealis and Alexander Hack. The midfield trio of Jesus Bueno, Danley Jean Jacques, and Quinn Sullivan will need to control the tempo against the Red Bulls’ duo of Donkor and Edelman.

Expected lineup for Philadelphia Union:

• Goalkeeper: Andre Blake
• Defenders: Nathan Harriel, Olwethu Makhanya, Neil Pierre, Kai Wagner
• Midfielders: Quinn Sullivan, Danley Jean Jacques, Jesus Bueno, Indiana Vassilev
• Forwards: Bruno Damiani, Tai Baribo

Philadelphia Union Suspensions & Injuries

Philadelphia Union will be navigating this match with key absences. Defender Jakob Glesnes is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, which is a significant blow to their backline’s stability. Additionally, midfielder Ian Glavinovich is out with a meniscus injury and is not expected to return until late August 2025.
These absences could impact the Union’s defensive solidity and midfield depth. The suspension of Glesnes, in particular, might force the coach, Bradley Carnell, to reshuffle the defensive formation and rely on less experienced players to step up.
Despite these setbacks, Philadelphia Union’s depth and quality will be tested, highlighting the importance of squad rotation and preparation.

Philadelphia Union Tactics and Formation

Philadelphia Union Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Tai Baribo
• Midfield Control: Quinn Sullivan and Danley Jean Jacques
• Defensive Record: Zero clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Defensive compactness and efficient scoring

Philadelphia Union typically line up in a solid 4-4-2 formation, which allows them to maintain defensive rigidity while offering a dual attacking threat up front. Tai Baribo leads the line with his knack for finding the back of the net, supported by a structured midfield led by Sullivan and Jacques. This setup provides both stability and offensive options, making the Union dangerous on the counter-attack.

Despite their solid form, a key area of improvement will be their defense, as they have struggled to keep clean sheets recently. The absence of key defender Jakob Glesnes means the Union will need to rely on their compactness and efficiency to keep the Red Bulls at bay.

New York Red Bulls vs Philadelphia Union Head-to-Head Statistics

Analyzing the head-to-head statistics from their last five meetings, Philadelphia Union have had the upper hand over New York Red Bulls. Here’s a breakdown of their encounters:

• 14 August 2025: Philadelphia Union 3 – 2 New York Red Bulls (US Open Cup)
• 12 July 2025: Philadelphia Union 2 – 0 New York Red Bulls (Major League Soccer)
• 31 August 2024: New York Red Bulls 0 – 2 Philadelphia Union (Major League Soccer)
• 06 July 2024: Philadelphia Union 0 – 0 New York Red Bulls (Major League Soccer)
• 03 September 2023: Philadelphia Union 4 – 1 New York Red Bulls (Major League Soccer)

Philadelphia Union have won three of these matches, with one game ending in a draw, and New York Red Bulls managing just one win. The Union have consistently shown their dominance, scoring an average of 2 goals per match and often keeping a clean sheet.
Considering these patterns and Philadelphia’s current form, they have the psychological edge going into this clash.

Odds accurate as of 15 August 2025 00:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.