DC United vs. New York Red Bulls Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 25 May 2025

Heading into this Major League Soccer Round 15 clash at Audi Field, DC United hosts New York Red Bulls at 00:30 on 25 May 2025. The match finds both teams in mid-to-low table positions, with DC United sitting 24th and the Red Bulls at 18th.

While DC United is the bookmaker’s favourite with odds of 2.45 to win, they are not in the best form, with just 14 points and three scoreless draws in their last five games. The Red Bulls, seen as underdogs at 2.72, show a more potent attack, netting 10 goals in their last five matches.

Both teams have key players dealing with injuries and suspensions. Keep an eye on New York’s Eric Choupo-Moting and DC’s Christian Benteke, both of whom are top scorers for their respective sides.

Expect a competitive and close encounter with both teams likely to find the back of the net, fitting our prediction for both to score.

DC United vs New York Red Bulls Prediction & Betting tip

Our betting tip for this match is Both Teams to Score (Yes). Given the attacking prowess of both teams and their defensive vulnerabilities, it’s a solid prediction that both sides will find the back of the net.

• DC United has been conceding significantly, averaging 1.79 goals conceded per match in recent games.
• New York Red Bulls have a strong attacking form, scoring 10 goals in their last 5 matches.
• Previous encounters between these teams often see both sides scoring, with a high rate of matches featuring goals from both sides.

Expect an exciting, competitive game with plenty of action on both ends of the pitch.

DC United vs New York Red Bulls Odds

Curious about the odds for the upcoming clash between DC United and New York Red Bulls? The bookmakers have laid down their predictions, and it’s shaping up to be a tight contest.

With DC United being the slight favourite, there’s still considerable value in betting on either outcome.
Expect some thrilling football action as both teams look to make their mark on the Major League Soccer season. Remember, given the fiery form of New York Red Bulls and the historically close contests between these two teams, anything can happen on matchday.

DC United Team Analysis

DC United Recent Performance

DC United have had an interesting run in their last five matches, showcasing a mixed bag of results:

Despite the recent inconsistency, DC United has kept an impressive three clean sheets in their last five games. With an average of 1.40 goals scored per game recently, DC United’s defensive solidity is noteworthy. However, they might need to find a bit more attacking flair to climb up the standings. Key injuries, especially the absence of top scorer Christian Benteke, could impact their goal-scoring prowess.

DC United Key Players

For DC United, the absence of Christian Benteke is significant, given his status as the top scorer with six goals. This will put additional pressure on Jacob Murrell, who will lead the line as the center forward. The midfield will rely on the creativity and dynamics from players like Jackson Hopkins and Rida Zouhir.

Expected lineup for DC United:

• Goalkeeper: Luis Barraza
• Defenders: Conner Antley, Garrison Tubbs, Matti Peltola, Lucas Bartlett, David Schnegg
• Midfielders: Rida Zouhir, Brandon Servania, Jackson Hopkins, Peglow
• Attackers: Jacob Murrell

Key individual battles to watch out for will be Jacob Murrell against New York Red Bulls’ center backs, particularly Tim Parker and Alexander Hack. In midfield, Jackson Hopkins will face stiff competition from New York Red Bulls’ Emil Forsberg, making for an intriguing contest.

DC United Suspensions & Injuries

DC United will be missing several key players due to injuries, which could impact their performance in this crucial match.

The absence of top scorer Christian Benteke is particularly significant for DC United. Additionally, both Lukas MacNaughton and Dominique Badji, who are crucial defensive players, will miss this game. This scenario could put extra pressure on the remaining squad to step up, especially in maintaining their defensive shapes and compensating for Benteke’s attacking threat.

DC United Tactics and Formation

DC United Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Jacob Murrell
  • With Christian Benteke out due to injury, the attacking responsibilities fall on Murrell, who will need to step up as the focal point of the attack.
• Midfield Quartet: Rida Zouhir, Brandon Servania, Jackson Hopkins, and Peglow
  • This group will be crucial in controlling the pace of the game and creating scoring opportunities, especially in the absence of their top scorer.
• Defensive Strength: Consistent defensive setups have resulted in three clean sheets in their last five games. Expect a disciplined backline with Luis Barraza as the last line of defense.
• Notable Strategy: DC United have been most effective in scoring between the 31st and 45th minutes, showing a tendency to capitalize on team fatigue approaching halftime.

Given their current formation and necessary tactical adjustments due to injuries, DC United will aim to maintain their defensive solidity while strategically pushing for goals in their strongest interval.

New York Red Bulls Team Analysis

New York Red Bulls Recent Performance

• Recent Form: The New York Red Bulls have had a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, indicating some inconsistency but also moments of brilliance.
• Goals and Defence: They have averaged 3.60 goals scored per game and kept one clean sheet in their recent matches.

The Red Bulls’ recent form is highlighted by their notable 7-0 thrashing of the LA Galaxy and their ability to score prolifically. However, they also show defensive vulnerabilities, evident in their losses to New York City FC and Nashville SC.

New York Red Bulls Key Players

Expected lineup for New York Red Bulls:

• Goalkeeper: Carlos Coronel
• Defenders: Kyle Duncan, Alexander Hack, Tim Parker, Omar Valencia
• Midfielders: Felipe Carballo, Peter Stroud, Dennis Gjengaar, Emil Forsberg, Mohammed Sofo
• Forward: Eric Choupo-Moting

Eric Choupo-Moting is the Red Bulls’ top scorer with 7 goals and will lead the attack. Another player to watch is Emil Forsberg in the attacking midfield role, expected to create numerous scoring opportunities.

Defensively, the battle between Choupo-Moting and DC United’s centre-back, Matti Peltola, could be pivotal. Forsberg will also face a stern test against DC’s midfield duo of Brandon Servania and Jackson Hopkins.

New York Red Bulls Suspensions & Injuries

New York Red Bulls are missing some key players for this match. Lewis Morgan, Dylan Nealis, and Serge Ngoma are all sidelined until early June, potentially weakening their defense and midfield. The absences of Roald Mitchell and Marcelo Morales further stretch their squad.

Additionally, suspensions for Sean Nealis and Noah Eile due to yellow cards mean the team will have to shuffle their defensive lineup. This could present opportunities for DC United to exploit gaps in the Red Bulls’ backline.

New York Red Bulls Tactics and Formation

New York Red Bulls’ Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Predominantly 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Eric Choupo-Moting
• Midfield Trio: Dennis Gjengaar, Emil Forsberg, Mohammed Sofo
• Defensive Strength: Conceding only 1.3 goals on average in 14 matches this season
• Notable Strategy: Strong attacking form, scoring 10 goals in their last five matches

Under the guidance of Sandro Schwarz, the Red Bulls often utilize a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to dominate the midfield with two defensive midfielders. They rely on Choupo-Moting’s finishing abilities upfront, supported by creative play from Forsberg in the attacking midfield role. Duncan and Parker anchor their defensive line, aiming to maintain stability despite several key absences.

DC United vs New York Red Bulls Head-to-Head Statistics

Recent encounters between DC United and New York Red Bulls have been full of action and goals, with both teams finding the net in most matches.
DC United managed a win in the latest head-to-head, but the Red Bulls have a better overall record. Expect another competitive showdown with plenty of goals.

Odds accurate as of 23.05.2025 00:32, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.