New York Red Bulls welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps in the weekend’s standout clash in the MLS.
It will be a clash between the second-best teams in each division as the New York Red Bulls welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps for their MLS clash this weekend.
Steve Cherundolo’s side are currently in second spot in the Eastern Conference and could overtake Inter Miami should they win on Saturday. Vancouver Whitecaps are in a similar predicament in the Western Conference and can keep up the heat on LA Galaxy by securing all three points.
The Whitecaps defeated the Seattle Sounders 2-0 last time out, while the Red Bulls had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Los Angeles FC. The latter will hope to return to winning ways and keep up their solid shot at securing the Conference title. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up for the game and their tactics.
Team News & Tactics
New York Red Bulls
Andres Reyes remains ineligible for the upcoming match after receiving a red card in the draw against the Chicago Fire. Additionally, the Red Bulls will be without the services of three injured players: Peter Stroud, Roald Mitchell, and Ronald Donkor.
Cory Burke and Serge Ngoma continue to recover from groin and knee injuries, respectively. Their availability for the match, even as substitutes, remains uncertain. The Red Bulls are expected to deploy a 4-4-2 formation for the game. Carlos Coronel is slated to start in goal, supported by a defensive line consisting of Dylan Nealis, Sean Nealis, Noah Eile, and John Tolkin.
In midfield, Daniel Edelman and Frankie Amaya are set to feature, with Wikelman Carmona and Emil Forsberg providing width on the wings. Up top, Lewis Morgan and Dante Vanzeir are anticipated to lead the attacking line for the Red Bulls.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Coronel; D.Nealis, S.Nealis, Eile, Tolkin; Carmona, Amaya, Edelmen, Forsberg; Morgan, Vanzeir
Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver Whitecaps will be without Andres Cubas due to suspension, while Fafa Picault and Luis Martens are doubtful due to injuries. The visitors are anticipated to adopt a 3-4-3 formation for the match. Yohei Takaoka is expected to start in goal, shielded by a back three consisting of Mathias Laborda, Ranko Veselinovic, and Tristan Blackmon.
In midfield, Pedro Vite and Alessandro Schopf are likely to form the central pairing, with Sam Adekugbe and Ryan Raposo providing width on the flanks. Up top, Brian White is set to lead the line, supported by Ryan Gauld and Ali Ahmed, who will also contribute defensively when required.
Ryan Gauld and Brian White have contributed to at least one goal in each of their last five matches in the MLS.The onus will be on them to keep that streak going.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Takaoka; Laborda, Veselinovic, Blackmon; Raposo, Vite, Adekugbe, Schopf; Gauld, White, Ahmed
Key Stats
- In the last 12 games between the two sides, Vancouver have won four games while Red Bulls have come out on top just twice.
- Having secured 16 points from their opening eight games this season, Vancouver are already enjoying their best-ever start to an MLS campaign.
- Either team could go top of their respective Conference standings should they win on the night and other results go their way.
- New York Red Bulls are currently unbeaten in nine of their last 10 games.
Player to Watch
Emil Forsberg
Despite his slow start since joining from RB Leipzig in Germany, 32-year-old Emil Forsberg has shown flashes of his immense talent in his six MLS appearances. With two goals and two assists to his name, Forsberg is yet to hit his full stride but remains a potent threat on the field, backed by his wealth of experience.
Renowned for his ability to unlock defences and deliver deadly set pieces, Forsberg is poised to test the Los Angeles FC backline. His potential to influence the outcome of the match cannot be underestimated, and it would not be surprising to see him play a pivotal role in determining the result.
His goal against Los Angeles appeared to have secured NY Red Bulls the win only for them to concede an injury-time leveller. Forsberg will hope that his efforts will see his side cross the finishing line with flying colours.
Prediction
New York Red Bulls 2-2 Vancouver Whitecaps
The match is likely to be a goal fest with neither side’s defence inspiring any confidence. It could come down to who keeps his nerve at the back in what is a key game for two sides who have kickstarted their campaign on top. It promises to be an interesting game for the neutrals with both ides likely to settle for a share of the spoils.
