This may only be the second meeting between New York City FC and New York Red Bulls but it could set to be a cracking local derby for years to come with NYCFC likely to level the head-to-head record with a win this weekend.

Red Bulls won the first meeting between the sides in May at the Red Bull Arena, but they have had a pretty poor time of it since that 2-1 victory. In six MLS contests they have won just one, losing four of them.

That one win came last time out at home to Real Salt Lake which could suggest a return to form but they were helped along the way by their visitors. Real managed to get two men sent off in that clash, being down to nine as early as the 55th minute.

New York City have been in much better form and look to be getting into their stride in the Eastern Conference. After an uninspiring start to their life in MLS they have now won their last three, including a thoroughly impressive 2-0 victory at Toronto in their last outing.

That win saw David Villa bag his first brace in MLS and that is a fantastic sign for Jason Kreis’ side as if the Spaniard really hits his straps he will be very difficult to stop.

Whilst Red Bulls are three places and three points better off than their local rivals in the Eastern Conference, City are clearly ahead in the form table which is crucial.

The home side will likely keep the same team that came away from Canada with the win last week. City still have a few men out injured but most are fringe players and the team are clearly coping without them.

Red Bulls will be without Sacha Kljestan who remains suspended whilst Lloyd Sam is sidelined with a groin injury.

Whilst Red Bulls got the victory last time they met, the teams have gone in opposite directions in terms of form since then.

City are the much more impressive team at this stage and in front of a crowd of well over 40,000 at Yankees Stadium, they will be spurred on to a crucial win in their quest for a play-off place.

With four goals in his last five, City captain Villa also looks well worth backing to strike at some stage in the battle of New York.

New York City FC to win @ [ODDS]

David Villa to score anytime @ [ODDS]