Kevin Denkey rubbished any murmurs of a lack of confidence as the FC Cincinnati striker insisted he never doubts his abilities, ahead of facing the New York Red Bulls.

Cincinnati’s hopes of finishing first in the Eastern Conference took a blow after drawing 1-1 against Orlando City last weekend, with Denkey scoring for his side.

The Togo international has scored 14 times in 28 MLS games this season and has also provided two assists for his team-mates.

Cincinnati must better the Philadelphia Union’s result when they face the New York Red Bulls if they want a chance to top the East heading into the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Denkey says he has no confidence issues in front of goal, though he is focused on winning rather than scoring.

“I never doubt, honestly, I know what I'm capable of doing, I know that I'm a goalscorer,” Denkey said after the match against Orlando.

“I work hard every day. I'm focused. I know it can happen every moment, but I put the team first, every time.

“I want to play for the team, I want to make the team win. It can be like this, or there can be different ways it can be.

“But I never doubt, and I stay focused on the team winning.”

Cincinnati will face a dejected Red Bulls side after their hopes of qualifying for the postseason were ended by a 3-2 defeat to rivals New York City.

Sandro Schwarz’s side are seven points behind the Columbus Crew with two games to go, with only pride on the line for the remainder of the season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York Red Bulls – Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

Choupo-Moting provided both assists in the Red Bulls’ loss to NYCFC, recording his sixth MLS game this season with multiple goal contributions.

That’s the most such games in a season by a Red Bulls player since Bradley Wright-Phillips had eight in 2018.

FC Cincinnati – Evander

Evander provided his 14th assist of the regular season on Sunday, adding to 17 goals in 2025.

The Brazilian midfielder has 37 assists since his arrival to MLS in 2023, tied for the most in that span with the San Jose Earthquakes’ Cristian Espinoza.

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

Cincinnati have not lost on the road since May, and their 10 road league wins are tied for the most in MLS this season, with San Diego FC.

Six of those 10 wins have come during their current seven-game road unbeaten streak (W6 D1).

The Red Bulls have scored 36 league goals at home this season, only scoring more in 2014 (38) and 1998 (39). NYRB’s 11 home MLS matches with multiple goals this season are tied for the most such matches in 2025 with five other clubs.

NYRB suffered their second regular-season loss over the last five seasons against Cincinnati back in February, snapping a three-game winning streak in the regular season. The Red Bulls have never lost both home and away to Cincinnati in the same season.

In their last six league matches, New York have won two, drawn one and lost three. Cincinnati, meanwhile, have won three, drawn one and lost two in their last six.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

New York Red Bulls – 39.5%

Draw – 26.6%

FC Cincinnati – 33.9%