Verdict: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
Seeking an immediate response in the early hours of Thursday, New York will travel to BMO Field when they meet a struggling Toronto.
Toronto FC
Starting with the hosts, while Toronto might have sprung a major upset last month as they stormed their way to a 6-1 romp away at rivals Montreal, it appears that shock performance was just a minor boost for the Reds. Immediate crashing back down to earth, Robin Fraser’s camp are scrapping it out at the foot of the Eastern Conference table and have come under plenty of scrutiny once again this season. Last seen putting in another downbeat display as they slumped to a 2-0 loss at home against Charlotte, Toronto have lost all of their previous three consecutive MLS appearances by an aggregate score of 6-2. Likewise, losing four of their last five outings, Fraser’s side have also gained an unwanted reputation for their glaring issues on home soil. Including back-to-back 2-1 losses against Philadelphia and Nashville last month, Thursday’s hosts have lost their last four straight matchups at BMO Field by an aggregate score of 7-2.
Toronto FC Team News
Not featuring since the start of May and still sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury, Toronto will once again be without ex-Sheffield United youngster Nickseon Gomis in midweek. However, in what could be a timely return, former Juventus ace Federico Bernardeschi could be handed a full recall.
Completing a free switch from Newcastle last summer, former Newcastle starlet Matthew Longstaff will be hoping to get some minutes under his belt. Despite notching just a pair of MLS strikes this season, Norwegian international Ola Brynhildsen should keep his spot leading the line.
New York Red Bulls
As for the visitors, eventually falling to a 2-1 loss away at Austin last week, New York know the importance of claiming an immediate response here. However, finding a route into the play-off places, Sandro Schwarz’s side have won all of their other four appearances across all competitions. Extending on their US Open Cup adventure on May 22nd as they edged past FC Dallas and booked their quarter-final spot, Thursday’s guests should be excited by a dominant record against their Eastern Conference rivals. Landing a 2-1 victory when they welcomed Toronto to New Jersey back on March 22nd, they have won all of their last four straight MLS meetings by an aggregate score of 12-2. Getting the midweek fixtures underway sat just a single point adrift of breaking into the top-seven, the former Hertha Berlin boss should be smelling a potential opportunity.
Toronto FC vs New York Red Bulls Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, New York will once again be unable to call upon the trio of Dylan Nealis, Roald Mitchell and Panama international Omar Valencia. Likewise, featuring for Poland at this summer’s EURO U21 Championships, Wiktor Bogacz will not feature here.
Enjoying what has been a successful maiden campaign after arriving from Bayern Munich ahead of the 2025 campaign, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will play a leading role in the final third. Former West Ham youngster Peter Stroud will start in the middle of the park.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Toronto and New York last met on March 22nd, the Red Bulls collected a 2-1 victory on home soil.
- In fact, New York have won their last four consecutive MLS meetings against Toronto by an aggregate score of 12-2.
- Along with losing their previous three straight MLS matchups by an aggregate score 6-2, Toronto have also lost four of their last five MLS outings.
- New York’s 2-1 loss against Austin last week drew time out drew a line under their four-match winning run.
- Former Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim-Choupo-Moting has recorded 11 MLS goal contributions in his first 18 appearances.
Conclusion
Eventually falling to that 2-1 loss against Austin last time out, New York are desperately seeking an immediate response here. Looking to push their way into the top-seven, Thursday’s guests will certainly be excited by a dominant record against their Eastern Conference rivals. Along with landing a 2-1 victory when they welcomed Toronto to New Jersey back on March 22nd, they have won their last four consecutive MLS showdowns by an aggregate score of 12-2. Despite their inconsistencies on the road, Schwarz’s play-off contenders will be smelling a real opportunity.
Verdict: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Luckster
