New York Red Bulls vs. FC Cincinnati Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 5 October 2025

As Major League Soccer action heats up, New York Red Bulls host FC Cincinnati at the Sports Illustrated Stadium on 5 October 2025. This tie comes in round 33 of the competition, featuring 30 teams. Though the Red Bulls sit 17th with 43 points, FC Cincinnati are pushing for top honors, currently in 2nd place with 59 points.

New York Red Bulls, under the guidance of Sandro Schwarz, have shown inconsistency of late, with only one win in their last five matches (Draw-Loss-Loss-Win-Loss). Defensive issues have plagued them despite the attacking prowess of top scorer Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who has bagged 16 goals this season.

In contrast, FC Cincinnati are in commendable form, led by Pat Noonan. They are a force with key players like Evander Ferreira and are averaging 1.2 goals per game over their last five matches (Loss-Loss-Win-Win-Draw). However, their defensive frailties have been evident, with no clean sheets in the same period. Injuries to crucial players including Obinna Nwobodo and Brad Smith could affect their performance.

Given both teams’ tendencies to concede, a recommended bet would be for FC Cincinnati to win and both teams to score.

Expect an exciting encounter that could reshape the standings as we approach the season’s crunch end.

New York Red Bulls vs FC Cincinnati Prediction & Betting Tip

New York Red Bulls vs FC Cincinnati Prediction
Betting tip
FC Cincinnati to Win and Both Teams to Score

This nail-biting MLS encounter sees New York Red Bulls face FC Cincinnati, who are currently pushing for the top spot. With Cincinnati’s impressive offensive performance, scoring in each of their last six league outings, coupled with New York’s consistent defensive issues, the recommended bet is for FC Cincinnati to win and both teams to score.

• FC Cincinnati are in commendable form, maintaining scoring consistency in recent matches.
• New York Red Bulls struggle defensively, with only two clean sheets in their last ten matches.
• The head-to-head record and Cincinnati’s recent win over New York Red Bulls earlier this season make the bet valuable.

With playoffs looming, expect both teams to leave everything on the pitch, making for an electrifying match.

New York Red Bulls vs FC Cincinnati Odds

This MLS clash between New York Red Bulls and FC Cincinnati has sparked significant interest among football fans and bettors alike. The Red Bulls, currently 17th in the table, find themselves as the bookmaker’s underdogs despite playing at home. FC Cincinnati, on the other hand, look like the more favorable team to back, given their second-place standing and recent form.

New York Red Bulls vs FC Cincinnati Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
New York Red Bulls to Win	2.19
Draw	3.58
FC Cincinnati to Win	2.94

The odds suggest a tight contest, but the lean is towards Cincinnati, who are in a better position on the leaderboard and have previously defeated the Red Bulls this season. Considering their recent scoring consistency, placing a bet on FC Cincinnati to win seems promising.

Don’t overlook the draw option, as matches can take unpredictable turns. But if you’re looking to back a winner, FC Cincinnati offers good value.

New York Red Bulls Team Analysis

New York Red Bulls Recent Performance

New York Red Bulls have had a bumpy ride in their last five matches. Their form, displaying losses, draws, and only one win, reflects their inconsistency. The sequence goes like this: New York City FC 2-3 loss, CF Montreal 2-0 win, Portland Timbers 1-2 loss, Columbus Crew 0-0 draw, and Charlotte FC 0-1 loss.

Recent Form: Draw-Loss-Loss-Win-Loss

This sequence highlights that the team has struggled defensively, keeping only two clean sheets in their last five games. The Red Bulls have averaged just 1 goal per game in this period, indicating their challenge in maintaining offensive pressure.

Such performances place them 17th on the table with 43 points, showing significant room for improvement as they approach their crucial upcoming fixtures. Carlos Coronel in goal has had a tough run, while Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting continues to be their main man up front with 16 goals this season.

New York Red Bulls Key Players

New York Red Bulls’ key man is undoubtedly Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who has scored an impressive 16 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net consistently makes him the focal point of the Red Bulls’ attacking play. Accompanying him on the attacking front is Emil Forsberg, whose experience and vision provide crucial support.

In midfield, Gustav Berggren and Ronald Donkor are expected to dictate the game’s tempo and shield the defense, while the backline is marshaled by Tim Parker and Noah Eile.

Expected lineup for New York Red Bulls:

• Goalkeeper: Carlos Coronel
• Defenders: Kyle Duncan, Noah Eile, Tim Parker, Raheem Edwards
• Midfielders: Gustav Berggren, Ronald Donkor, Wikelman Carmona, Emil Forsberg, Julian Hall
• Forward: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

These players will need to be at their best to improve their team’s position and tackle the formidable FC Cincinnati.

New York Red Bulls Suspensions & Injuries

New York Red Bulls are grappling with several injuries which could impact their performance. Key players like Cameron Harper and Lewis Morgan are recovering from knee and thigh injuries respectively and might make an early October return. These players’ potential absence could weaken the attacking options for the Red Bulls.

Additionally, AJ Marcucci’s long-term cruciate ligament injury rules him out until late April 2026, and Wiktor Bogacz is expected to return from his ankle injury by late October 2025.

With these notable players missing, the team will rely heavily on other squad members to fill the void and maintain defensive solidity against a strong FC Cincinnati side. This injury situation could be pivotal in determining the match’s outcome.

New York Red Bulls Tactics and Formation

New York Red Bulls Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
• Midfield Core: Gustav Berggren and Ronald Donkor as defensive midfielders, with Emil Forsberg in the attacking mid role
• Defensive Backbone: Tim Parker and Noah Eile

New York Red Bulls have typically employed a 4-2-3-1 formation under coach Sandro Schwarz. This setup aims to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Choupo-Moting leads the line, supported by Forsberg, Carmona, and Hall.

The midfield duo of Berggren and Donkor is crucial for disrupting the opposition play and transitioning the ball forward. Defensively, the team has managed two clean sheets in their last five games, showcasing moments of resilience.

A notable strategy involves pressing high up the pitch to force errors and quick counter-attacks, especially effective in the second half of matches. However, sustaining this intensity has been a challenge, contributing to their inconsistent form.

FC Cincinnati Team Analysis

FC Cincinnati Recent Performance

FC Cincinnati have displayed solid form in their last five matches, with two wins, one draw, and two losses. Their recent performance includes a 1-1 draw against Orlando City, a thrilling 3-2 victory over LA Galaxy, a 2-1 win against Nashville SC, but also two back-to-back losses to Philadelphia Union and New York City FC.

Recent Form: Loss-Loss-Win-Win-Draw

Despite their overall strong league position, Cincinnati have struggled to keep clean sheets, with none in their last five games. On the attacking front, they have been more consistent, averaging 1.2 goals per match during this period. This offensive capability is largely driven by their top scorer, Evander Ferreira, who has netted 17 goals this season.

Cincinnati’s form keeps them firmly in contention for the top spot in the league, as they sit second with 59 points, and they’ll be looking to build on their recent victories as they face the Red Bulls.

FC Cincinnati Key Players

FC Cincinnati’s squad features several standout players, making them formidable opponents in the league. Their top scorer, Evander Ferreira, has been in exceptional form, finding the net 17 times this season. His performance is crucial for Cincinnati’s attacking play, often proving to be the difference-maker in tight matches.

Midfielder Pavel Bucha provides stability and creativity in the center of the park, while Ender Echenique and Samuel Gidi supply additional flair and dynamism. In defense, Miles Robinson and Nick Hagglund anchor the backline, ensuring a compact and resilient defensive structure.

Expected lineup for FC Cincinnati:

• Goalkeeper: Evan Louro
• Defenders: Miles Robinson, Nick Hagglund, Lukas Engel
• Midfielders: Ender Echenique, Pavel Bucha, Evander Ferreira, Samuel Gidi, Luca Orellano
• Forwards: Kévin Denkey, Brenner da Silva

These players will be key as Cincinnati aims to secure a win against New York Red Bulls and solidify their position in the upper echelons of the league.

FC Cincinnati Suspensions & Injuries

FC Cincinnati are unfortunately dealing with several injury concerns that could influence their performance against New York Red Bulls. Key players like Paul Walters and Brad Smith are out with foot and leg injuries respectively and are expected to return by mid-October. The team is also missing Obinna Nwobodo due to a hip injury, although he might be back in early October.

Additionally, Roman Celentano and Matthew Miazga are sidelined with leg injuries, further depleting their squad depth. These absences mean that Cincinnati may need to lean on their squad depth and resilience to navigate this challenging fixture. Nonetheless, given their recent form and attacking threats, Cincinnati remain a formidable opponent. The return of any of these players could significantly bolster their lineup in future matches.

FC Cincinnati Tactics and Formation

FC Cincinnati Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Kévin Denkey and Brenner da Silva
• Midfield Core: Pavel Bucha and Evander Ferreira
• Defensive Backbone: Miles Robinson, Nick Hagglund, and Lukas Engel

Pat Noonan often utilizes a 3-5-2 formation, allowing Cincinnati to dominate the midfield and counter-attack effectively. The front duo of Kévin Denkey and Brenner da Silva provides a consistent goal threat, exploiting defensive lapses.

In the middle, Bucha and Ferreira are pivotal in connecting the play and facilitating offensive movements. The wingbacks, Echenique and Orellano, offer width and support both defensively and offensively.

Defensively, Cincinnati have struggled recently without a clean sheet in their last five games, largely due to key injuries. Despite this, players like Miles Robinson and Nick Hagglund ensure a resilient backline. Cincinnati aims to capitalize on their offensive prowess, particularly in the final third of matches, often pressing opponents to force mistakes and create scoring opportunities.

New York Red Bulls vs FC Cincinnati Head-to-Head Statistics

Looking at the head-to-head statistics, the recent encounters between New York Red Bulls and FC Cincinnati have been quite competitive.

In their last five meetings:

• On 23 February 2025, FC Cincinnati narrowly edged out a 1-0 win over New York Red Bulls.
• Prior to that, on 20 July 2024, New York Red Bulls triumphed 3-1 at home.
• Going back to 6 April 2024, the Red Bulls secured a 2-1 away victory.
• During the playoffs on 4 November 2023, FC Cincinnati clinched a win on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
• And in the first round of the playoffs in 2023, Cincinnati dominated with a 3-0 win on 30 October.

The results show a closely-matched rivalry, but FC Cincinnati holds the edge with three wins in the last five games. This could provide them with a psychological advantage heading into the upcoming match.

Odds accurate as of 03.10.2025 00:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.