Toronto vs New York Red Bulls Preview

Out of form Toronto host New York Red Bulls on Thursday as they look to reverse their fortunes. The Canadian side sit second from bottom in the MLS Eastern section, and have lost four of their last five games, a world away from the form that saw them finish a solid 11th in 2024.

However, Red Bulls pose a stiff challenge - they are one of the form sides in the league, winning three of their last four, and boast a selection of top talent poached from Europe’s biggest leagues, creating a menacing lineup. With a win here, the New York side can move as high as fifth, three places above their current standing of eighth.

As the game approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Key Statistics

• Toronto have scored just two goals across their four recent defeats, and have conceded seven in return.
• However, a 6-1 win over Canadian rivals CF Montreal punctuated these losses, and displayed that despite their lack of form, Toronto can be lethal when in the right mood.
• Red Bulls striker Eric Choupo-Moting is one of the most lethal strikers in the MLS, with his 10 goals outperforming his XG by 3.29.
• Toronto haven’t beaten NYRB over 90 minutes since 2019, a run spanning 13 meetings.

Toronto Preview

Toronto Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Sean Johnson (GK); Raoul Petretta, Lazar Stefanovic, Zane Monlouis, Kosi Thompson; Jonathan Osorio, Lorenzo Insigne, Deybi Flores; Tyrese Spicer, Ola Brynhildsen, Maxime Dominguez.

After last season's 11th placed finish, their highest placing since 2020, many thought that 2025 would be the year that Toronto finally developed into a force to reckon with on the MLS scene.

However, instead they seem to have reverted back to type, losing regularly and flattering to deceive despite big name players. Even with Euro 2021 winner Lorenzo Insigne in the lineup, Toronto simply cannot get going, and struggle to maintain dominance for long periods.

Though their last four defeats have been fairly narrow, there is no indication that their scoring will improve in the near future, and if something doesn’t change soon, then the Canadian outfit will once again find themselves fighting to avoid the wooden spoon.

New York Red Bulls Preview

New York Red Bulls Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Carlos Coronel (GK); Raheem Edwards, Noah Eile, Alexander Hack, Kyle Duncan, Peter Stroud, Daniel Edelman; Cameron Harper, Wikelman Carmona, Emil Forsberg; Eric Choupo-Moting.

Sitting eighth in the Eastern section, Red Bulls have positioned themselves nicely for a mid-season surge up the table, something that their recent form has indicated is coming.

In their last five games, they have knocked Dallas out of the Open Cup after a stoppage time Emil Forsberg equaliser to take the game to penalties, and have comfortably beaten DC United, Charlotte FC and Atalanta United, with defeat to Austin last time out the only blemish on their record.

Playing against a struggling Toronto, there is no reason to think their momentum will halt here - with Choupo-Moting up front, they are a threat at all times, and two clean sheets in their last four games, there is a fair chance they snatch another one in Canada.

Toronto vs New York Red Bulls Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 22/03/2025: Red Bulls 2-1 Toronto.
• 03/10/2024: Toronto 1-4 Red Bulls.
• 28/07/2024: Red Bulls 0-0p Toronto.
• 23/06/2024: Red Bulls 3-0 Toronto.
• 08/10/2023: Red Bulls 3-0 Toronto.

Toronto vs New York Red Bulls Betting Tip

With such a one sided head to head record in recent years, and Toronto way off competing for that top nine spot coveted by MLS teams, the result looks to be disappointingly predictable here.

That is why our experts have decided that the best tip to back for this fixture is New York Red Bulls to Win. Odds of 2.00 on Kwiff mean that a £10 stake would return £20 if the bet comes off.

Toronto vs New York Red Bulls Prediction

Toronto 0-2 New York Red Bulls

Eventually, Toronto’s fixture list will ease up - but following this game, they must also face fourth and seventh placed Portland Timbers and New York City FC, sides who can both put a further dampener on Toronto’s season so far.