New York City FC vs. New York Red Bulls: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The biggest Hudson River Derby in history takes place on Saturday as New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls battle it out for a spot in the MLS Eastern Conference Final.

Both clubs took down big names in the first round of the playoffs with New York City beating FC Cincinnati over three matches and New York Red Bulls defeating Columbus Crew across two fixtures.

And now they square up in the Eastern Conference semifinals in a highly anticipated encounter.

The winners will go on to face either Atlanta United or Orlando City in the MLS Eastern Conference Final. Both camps will want to take advantage as strong teams such as Columbus, Cincinnati and Inter Miami have all crashed out.

New York City FC vs. New York Red Bulls betting picks and predictions

New York City FC to win (+120)

New York Red Bulls head to Citi Field this weekend as underdogs and they will attract bettors at +210.

They took down defending MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew in their first playoff tie, winning the first match 1-0 and edging their opponents 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 tie in the subsequent game.

Emil Forsberg is back and pulling the strings in midfield again and they are an aggressive team capable of unsettling any opponent.

But their form prior to the playoffs was questionable.

Before their two fixtures with Columbus Crew, the Red Bulls had won just one of their previous nine matches in MLS.

And against which team did they suffer their biggest loss in that streak? New York City, of course.

City hammered the Red Bulls 5-1 at Red Bull Arena in September, showing that they should have arguably finished better than just three points ahead of their city rivals.

NYCFC's series with Cincinnati went to a third match earlier this month and they went to the TQL Stadium knowing they could not lose if they wanted to stay in the playoffs.

They dug deep and, despite managing just one shot on target, they tied 0-0 and went on to win 6-5 on penalties.

The resilience of their defense was key in that contest and a team which has previously been so reliant on its possession-based, attacking football found a different way to win.

In Alonso Martinez, meanwhile, they have solved their offensive conundrum and they look ready to lay down a marker with victory over their rival New York Red Bulls.

Alonso Martinez anytime goalscorer (+150)

Alonso Martinez arrived at New York City as a capable winger but Nick Cushing's decision to deploy the Costa Rican as a striker instead has paid dividends.

Martinez has gone from strength to strength in his debut season with NYCFC, scoring 16 goals in his 26 league appearances and he scored two first-half goals against the Red Bulls back in September.

Set to lead the New York City attack once again, the Costa Rican is a great wager to score.

Read more betting picks and predictions for soccer on site.

New York City FC vs. New York Red Bulls odds

New York City FC	+120
Tie	+250
New York Red Bulls	+210

New York City FC vs. New York Red Bulls player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Alonso Martinez (NYCFC)	+150
Mounsef Bakrar (NYCFC)	+210
Santiago Rodriguez (NYCFC)	+210
Jovan Mijatovic (NYCFC)	+225
Lewis Morgan (NYRB)	+225
Emil Forsberg (NYRB)	+260

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.