It was the same old song and dance for the New York Red Bulls last weekend vs D.C. United. For the third time in recent weeks, the Red Bulls saw a two goal lead on the road evaporate in minutes. With the Red Bulls constantly dropping points away from home, wins at home are becoming ever so mandatory. This weekend it’s the New York Red Bulls vs. New England Revolution. The two sides are meeting for the second time this season. The last fixture saw the Red Bulls fall 1-0 on the road back on April 1st. This time around, the Red Bulls will be at home at Red Bull Arena. New York holds the best home record in the Eastern Conference at 9-2-1. NYRB will also look to extend their MLS unbeaten steak to nine and to 11 across all competitions.
New York Red Bulls vs. New England Revolution
Three Players to Watch
Felipe Martins
Felipe has been one of the most underrated players for New York this season. With all the talent New York has in their midfield it is easy to see why Felipe can get overlooked. However, he has been arguably the most consistent player in the Red Bulls’ midfield all season. Being known as a very “scrappy and feisty” player, Felipe has been the anchor to hold down the defensive midfield since Dax McCarty’s injury. Recently stepping up as a big leader among the team, Felipe has been an unsung hero for this team. I expect no less for Felipe to continue his great form as the Red Bulls return home this weekend.
Bradley Wright-Phillips
Not much needs to be said on how good Wright-Phillips has been of late. The Red Bulls striker comes into this fixture sitting third in the MLS Golden Boot race only one behind Sebastian Giovinco and David Villa. BWP’s current goal total for the season sits at 15, with three of them coming in his last two MLS fixtures. It is no doubt that Wright-Phillips is a streaky goal scorer, and right now he is red hot. I expect Wright-Phillips to tack on at least one goal and cause havoc for the Revolution back line.
Sacha Kljestan
Last weekend, Sacha Kljestan tacked on his MLS leading 15th assist. With this, he became the Red Bulls single season assist record holder surpassing the great Thierry Henry. Kljestan has played the main part in the Red Bulls offensive success this season. Tacking on five goals, Kljestan has proven to be a great all-around talent in the midfield for the Red Bulls. Proving to be a leader both on and off the field, Manager Jesse Marsch has rewarded Sacha by giving him the captain’s arm band in McCarty’s absence. I expect for Kljestan to continue his MVP form in this match.
Prediction
The Red Bulls have been one of the best teams at home this season. The disparity between New York on the road as compared to home is quite shocking. At home, they hold a +15 goal differential and have not lost since April 9. Both teams are in the midst of a fight in the standings. The Red Bulls, are looking to jump into one of those first two seeds in the Eastern Conference to secure a first-round bye for the playoffs. As for the Revs, they currently find themselves sitting below that sixth and final seed for the East.
With all the depth the Red Bulls have and their great success at home, I don’t see the Revs being able to end the Red Bulls nine match unbeaten streak at home. New York just executes their pressure to well at Red Bull Arena and I expect nothing different this Sunday.
2-0 Red Bulls Win
