Buckle up for a barnburner of an MLS season opener when FC Cincinnati host the New York Red Bulls on February 23, 2025. The match is about more than the three points—it's one that makes a statement. Cincinnati are on high after a 4-1 drubbing of Motagua, and the club's latest Brazilian signing, attacking midfielder Evander, is already making waves. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls are being re-stocked with fresh signings like seasoned striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, contract extensions to star midfielder Lewis Morgan, and even rumors of big names concerning Timo Werner. With impressive head-to-head statistics and a few mind-blowing betting trends, this game is likely to provide excellent combinations of high drama and numerous betting opportunities.
Claim Your Welcome BonusFC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati have been on a tear this preseason with a solid record of 2 wins and 2 draws (WDWD) and staying unbeaten in their previous five matches. Last week's 4-1 win against Motagua was a show of offense, with Pavel Bucha grabbing a two-goal return and Kévin Denkey and Evander each scoring a goal. Manager Pat Noonan has clearly instilled a winning mentality, and the team's streaks are proof: no losses in their last five, only conceding in three of their five games, and consistently keeping the game below 2.5 goals in four out of five games—a testament to defensive solidity and tactical discipline. With the signing of Brazilian creative power Evander, Cincinnati seems set to bring even more panache and unpredictability to their game.
New York Red Bulls
New York Red Bulls, under the guidance of Sandro Schwarz, experienced a rollercoaster of a preseason kickoff with a mixed bag of outcomes (1 victory, 1 draw, 1 defeat). Their most recent match was a crushing 6-0 loss against San Diego FC, but it is not all doom and gloom. The club is busy redefining its future: they've signed Lewis Morgan to a two-year extension (with options extending through 2028), celebrating his coming-of-age season with 13 goals and seven assists, earning him the Comeback Player of the Year award. The signing of veteran Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting adds depth to the front line as well, and negotiations for German striker Timo Werner indicate a massive money transfer may be in the offing. More intriguingly, erstwhile Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has relocated as the "Head of Global Soccer," yet another layer of strategic genius added to the organization. Despite recent setbacks, the Red Bulls clearly are not in short supply of ambition for this game.
Head to Head
When we analyze the past meetings between these two clubs, the numbers tell a fascinating tale: Cincinnati have taken the lead with 5 wins to New York's 3, and the draw has come twice.
Expert Betting Tips
✅ Both Teams To Score (BTTS) @ 1.63 Odds on 1xbet:
In 9 out of 10 head-to-head encounters, both teams have found the net. With both sides boasting attacking talent—Cincinnati’s recent firepower and the Red Bulls’ emerging forwards—this bet is as tempting as it is logical.
✅ Total Goals Over 2.5 @ 1.74 Odds on Betway:
All five of the previous games in head-to-head encounters have crossed the 2.5-goal threshold. With Cincinnati having such a big attacking force plus the Red Bulls' occasional susceptibility to defensive failings, watch out for some fireworks in the final tally.
✅ Under 10 Corners @ 1.83 Odds on Bet365:
While corner kicks at times can be hit-or-miss, this historical data foretells that in 5 out of 7 derbies there have been overall corners less than 10.5. This is a best bet for fans who like the less sensational set-piece battle.
Other predictions
