New York Red Bulls v New York City FC: Schwarz excited for derby test

Sandro Schwarz is treating New York Red Bulls' meeting with New York City FC as a blank slate but is looking forward to the "special atmosphere" of the derby.

The Red Bulls are winless in five matches since their return to MLS action after the Leagues Cup, alternating between draws and losses – they drew 2-2 with Atlanta United last time out – leaving them fourth in the Eastern Conference.

They lost the reverse fixture back in May 2-1, but Schwarz is adamant that history will not dictate the result of this meeting.

"It's a derby and that means a special atmosphere in our stadium, which is necessary for us," Schwarz said. "This is good to have this game now against New York City.

"It's a new situation, and now we have to show we are in a good spot and show our whole quality and energy, which we need to get three points.

"We don't think too much about the results in the past, we just need to focus on right now to get the three points."

More than 3 points on the line pic.twitter.com/qRwQdu8Umb

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) September 26, 2024

Meanwhile, NYCFC are seventh in the table, three points behind their opponents, but they are on a 10-match winless streak in MLS, with their last win coming in early July.

They snatched a last-gasp 1-1 draw with Inter Miami last time out and head coach Nick Cushing is hopeful their fans can spur them on once again.

"Our fans were incredible in the Miami game,” he said. "I'm really proud of that.

"When I speak to our players, that was a huge factor in fighting and continuing to push [against Miami].

"Having the hunger and the desire to get something was, of course, for our league position and for our push toward the postseason, but it was also for our fans."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York Red Bulls – Julian Hall

Julian Hall recorded his first career assist against Atlanta to go along with his two goals.

At 16 years, 181 days, Hall is the second-youngest player in MLS history to record at least two goals and an assist, after Freddy Adu (14 years, 355 days).

New York City FC – James Sands

James Sands scored at 94:40 to earn NYCFC a point against Inter Miami last Saturday.

It was the third-latest result-changing goal in regular season play in club history and the latest that was not from the penalty spot.

Derby prep. @MontefioreNYC

— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) September 24, 2024

MATCH PREDICTION: NEW YORK RED BULLS WIN

The Red Bulls have won 12 of their 16 home matches against New York City FC (D2 L2) in all competitions, including the last two in a row. The Red Bulls have limited NYCFC to eight goals in those 16 matches, allowing multiple goals only once (2-0 defeat in 2017).

However, 11 of the Red Bulls' last 15 matches in all competitions have ended in draws (W2 D2). They have not won in over two months, since a 3-1 victory over FC Cincinnati on July 20.

Meanwhile, New York City FC are winless in 11 straight away matches in all competitions dating back to June. NYCFC lost the first three of those but have managed to draw six of the last eight away from home (L2).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York Red Bulls – 48.4%

Draw – 25.8%

New York City FC – 25.8%