NEW YORK, N.Y. – To a man, the New York Red Bulls are downplaying the anticipated “rivalry” with New York City FC . In fact, Red Bulls goalscorer Bradley Wright-Phillips claims the “noisy neighbors” haven’t even come to mind until the hype began for this week’s showdown at Red Bull Arena.

But that doesn’t mean he isn’t motivated to win the first MLS New York City derby.

“I do personally feel we do have to win that game for the fans,” Wright-Phillips tells EoS. “It’s a big moment for the fans. The first [derby] in history.

“I want to be on the winning side of that game.”

The chances for a fair result certainly favor the Red Bulls, particularly since the match will be held at Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls have been a juggernaut through the first two months of the season, exhibiting a choking high-line press that has left opposing teams overwhelmed, particularly at home. The team owns a +4 goal differential on the season, second only to the high-octane Seattle Sounders offense. At Red Bull Arena, the club is undefeated, outscoring opposition 6-2 through four matches.

“At home, we always create. Even last year, the year before that, we always create at home,” Wright-Phillips said. “I think they are going to have to deal with that.”

But home field advantage is only part of the equation. Up until this weekend when the team fielded a reserve laden side against the New England Revolution, the Red Bulls were undefeated through the first two months of the season. They currently trail DC United and New England by four points from the top of the Eastern Conference.

Juxtapose that to New York City FC, who are currently mired in a seven-match winless streak, and the scales seem to tilt Red.

‘For them it was always going to be tough. To start from scratch and coming into a tough league is always going to be hard,” Wright-Phillips acknowledges. “They obviously had a lot of hype on them. They are a new team but they are a good team. I’ve watched them, they have some good players. It’s going to be a tough game.”

Despite all indicators pointing to a Red Bull victory, Wright-Phillips warns this match will be about more than just a battle of stat sheets. It is a derby match; the first of its kind for MLS in the New York City area. By nature, derbies around the world are an unpredictable event — and with good reason. Emotions are high, the spectacle is overwhelming.

The Englishman would expect no different come this Sunday.

“We’re going to have to deal with them playing tactically and try to interrupt and disrupt our game plan, but either way, it is a derby game and that goes out the window,” he said. “We need to win the fight and the quality will show itself.”