“Well this could be the last time.
This could be the last time.
Maybe the last time,
I don’t know.”
-The Rolling Stones
Could Be The Last Time: Henry’s Final Appearance At RBA?
When the Red Bulls line up this weekend, it could be the very last time they do so at Red Bull Arena with a lineup featuring Thierry Henry. In his three and a half years in this league, the King has managed 51 goals and 42 assists, 6 goals and 5 of those assists have come against the Columbus Crew. If the Red Bulls hope to extend the King’s stay, they may need to rely on Henry’s penchant for causing Columbus misery. With Oyongo/Miller returning to the team, the Red Bulls must decide on the personnel that will suit this game to come away with a result mirroring this season’s earlier mauling, 4-0 with a BWP hat trick.
Columbus comes in after a miracle win in the city of brotherly love. Down 2-0 and with 20 minutes remaining, all hope seemed lost. Honestly, 2-0 is a generous score line. Philly could have easily scored another 3 goals in the first half. As I have mentioned before, Philly plays the traditional 9 with a pivot relying on the wings heavily for their attack. They used this quite effectively against the Crew, but a combination of poor finishing and strong goalkeeping kept the score close enough for what was one of the most memorable second half performances of the season. The Red Bulls could certainly learn from the Union’s cautionary tales.
Lloyd Sam has been an automatic starter all season. He is crafty and willing to take on players, which will fulfill the need on the right wing to emulate what the Union did, but on the left, should they start Henry or Oyongo? I would argue that the Red Bulls should start Oyongo and play a 4-3-3 that might resemble a 4-4-1-1 at times. Oyongo and Lloyd will trouble the Crew defense with their movement, while Henry can roam free making plays. Alexander and Dax will be able to do the job they have been performing for the last several weeks cleaning up and clogging the middle of the field. Their presence will nullify Meram and Finley and allow the Red Bulls to play a deeper line without giving up too much room in the middle for Higuaín. Although, they must be careful to limit set piece opportunities around the box. Higuaín will certainly make them pay.
BWP will be tasked with creating havoc with cutting runs pushing the backline out of position, leaving Henry to operate as the pivot. Instead of using the number 9 to hold the ball like Philly, Henry will should play modified 10 role. BWP should still be tasked with receiving the ball ala Conor Casey, but he should defer to Henry to distribute from there. Oyongo and Sam can then both be used to overload a side and run off of Wright-Phillips. Even though it may take a goal away and cost Bradley the record, deferring to his wingers may be a great and somewhat expected attack. If they decide to play a traditional crossing game, Wright-Phillips will have to target Parkhurst as a player who cannot compete with him in the air.
The Red Bulls are very capable of coming away with a result, but will they be able to climb the standings and avoid the wildcard? Time will tell.
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