All football fans love a rivalry! There is nothing quite like the idea of having bragging rights over other football fans from the same region and being able to hold on to them until the next time the two sides play.
We can look to send messages via social media nowadays or continue to go down the old-fashioned route and continue to tease the other while down the pub or at work; indeed, there is always a lot that can be enjoyed when these fixtures appear on the schedule and take place.
This upcoming weekend will see the turn of the New York derby – or the Hudson River derby – as the New York Red Bulls will host New York City FC at the Red Bull Arena on Sunday, July 17.
Of course, while many may not think of America as the place where fans get excited about the sport that they call “soccer”, there is no denying that there will be a significant amount of interest in this fixture from those based in the Big Apple.
Indeed, with sports betting on the rise and legal in the state, it would not be a surprise if many were to check out some offers that are available to use via legal sportsbooks in conjunction with this particular fixture to further enhance the rivalry and the banter that they might have with friends and family.
So, what could we expect when the two teams take to the field in Harrison, New Jersey?
Well, we should be able to expect a fierce New York derby this year around, as both teams have been exceptional in the Eastern Conference of the MLS this season thus far.
The Red Bulls have managed to take control of the Conference at this moment, having managed to acquire 33 points from their 20 games played. However, NYCFC are right on their tails and could look to leapfrog their city rivals with a victory and go top – depending on what happens with the Philadelphia Union – as they sit on 32 points after just 18 games.
Interestingly, both teams have only conceded 21 goals in the games played, with the Union and Columbus Crew the only sides to concede fewer (13 and 20 respectively), although NYCFC has been able to find the back of the net more regularly than Sunday’s hosts have managed.
The visitors have managed to score 37 times – the most in the Eastern Conference and third-most in the MLS behind LAFC and Austin (38) – while NYRB has managed 30.
While both defences have been very mean and tight at the back, hopefully we will get to see some goals in this first New York derby contest of the MLS season.
