The New York Red Bulls return home to face the Philadelphia Union after a brief road trip. The Red Bulls are coming off back-to-back draws against the Chicago Fire and FC Dallas. This is a big match for the Red Bulls, as they are in a desperate need of three points to continue to keep pace in the playoff race. The Red Bulls currently sit in fifth being two points behind Columbus Crew SC for fourth and playing two less matches.
New York Red Bulls-Philadelphia Union Preview
What To Watch For
Three Points a Must
The Red Bulls need to come away with three points this weekend against Philadelphia. They have not won in their last four MLS matches. Missing opportunistic chances to climb up the table, the Red Bulls will need a win to bolster their playoff chances. While snagging a first round bye is a long shot for the Red Bulls, a win could go a long way to ensuring the team’s home-field advantage in the knockout round. A couple wins in a row could catapult the Red Bulls from fifth into third in the East with the end of the regular season drawing closer.
Success Against Philly
The Red Bulls have the right opponent picked out to snag the full three points. Despite the past, the Red Bulls have had a good amount of success against Philly. First, the Red Bulls defeated Philly on the road after struggling to do so most of last season. Then came the famous exorcism of the Union demons that haunted them from the past two U.S Open Cup competitions. The Red Bulls ousted the Union 5-4 on penalties in the Round of 16 of the Open Cup in 2017.
Bradley Wright-Phillips/Sacha Kljestan Connection
It seems as if this connection is finally coming around for the Red Bulls. Over the past two matches, these two have either scored or assisted on a goal off the other. If the Red Bulls are to make a push for a spot that guarantees them a home match in the Knockout round of the playoffs, these two will need to continue the hot streak both are on in orchestrating goals.
Predicted Starting XI
Match Prediction
The Red Bulls desperately need these three points. They cannot afford to sit back in this match by any means. With the unpredictability in the matches between these two teams in the past, the Red Bulls will need to control the game early. Control and high pressure will certainly force Philly into mistakes. In the end, the Red Bulls will be able to capitalize on the mistakes. The Red Bulls top the Union by a score of 3-0 in this one.
