The New York Red Bulls are back in action this weekend against another big Eastern Conference foe. The Red Bulls welcome Orlando City SC to Red Bull Arena for the only time this season. The Red Bulls are coming off a heart breaking 3-2 loss to their Hudson River rivals New York City FC. With the regular season dwindling down to its last few months, the Red Bulls will need to secure as many points as they can down this critical stretch.
New York Red Bulls vs. Orlando City SC Preview
What to Watch for
Bradley Wright-Phillips
It has been a streaky season for the Red Bulls’ striker. However, BWP seems to be getting hot at just the right time (no pun intended). BWP has converted in three consecutive matches for the Red Bulls, scoring four goals in his last five matches. Wright-Phillips currently sits third in MLS in goals with 13. With this match, as well as several other big matches on the horizon, the Red Bulls will need their star striker to be in form.
Possible Changes to the Lineup
It will be interesting to see the lineup Jesse Marsch fields for this match. The Red Bulls have their U.S Open Cup semi-final match against FC Cincinnati next following week. It wouldn’t be a shocker to see Marsch choose to rest some of his starters for this match. The team will also have to be without winger Daniel Royer for a few weeks at least. With the suspension to Sal Zizzo, the Red Bulls will certainly be making changes in the back against Orlando. It would be shocking to see neither Fidel Escobar or Muhamed Keita get solid minutes in this match.
Mistake Free Soccer
As cliche as it sounds, the team needs to play mistake free. The few mental mistakes made against NYCFC cost them dearly in the end. The three biggest mistakes made in this match led to goals for NYCFC. The Red Bulls will need to take more care going down this last stretch of the season. Dropping one or three points can cost you a playoff spot in the very tight Eastern Conference.
Predicted Starting XI
Game Prediction
The Red Bulls should have at least one of their new signings in the starting lineup against Orlando. With the short turnaround to the U.S Open Cup semifinal, a few of their starters need more rest. Some early second half subs will could very well be expected to rest some legs for Tuesday’s cup tie in Cincinnati. In the end, the Red Bulls should be able to handle this match regardless. This new formation has been lethal for them at home and nothing should be different in this match. Red Bulls take the victory here 3-1 over Orlando.
