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New York Red Bulls
Major League Soccer
Sep 1, 2024 at 12.30am UK
Red Bull Arena
Philadelphia Union

NY Red Bulls
0 - 2
Philadelphia


Schwarz (56')
FT(HT: 0-2)
Uhre (4'), Baribo (14')
Baribo (55'), Blake (76')

Preview: New York Red Bulls vs. Philadelphia Union - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Major League Soccer clash between New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

The New York Red Bulls will host Philadelphia Union in the latest Major League Soccer (MLS) round this weekend at the Red Bull Arena.

With the visitors' post-season hopes under considerable threat as they sit in 10th place in the Eastern Conference table, getting a result in this encounter will be a major boost to their chances of a playoff place.


Match preview

New York Red Bulls head coach Sandro Schwarz on March 3, 2024© Reuters

The New York Red Bulls are in a formidable position as they enter this weekend's fixture, sitting comfortably in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Their current standing reflects a strong push for a high playoff seeding, with their sights set on securing one of the top spots.

Following an early exit from the Leagues Cup, the Red Bulls have shown impressive resilience in their domestic campaign. Their most recent performance - a hard-fought 1-1 draw away against Charlotte FC — demonstrated their ability to maintain stability and competitiveness even under challenging circumstances.

The need to bounce back from the Leagues Cup exit was significant, and the Red Bulls met this challenge head-on with their performance. Securing a point against Charlotte FC, who were also vying for points to close the gap in the standings, highlighted their determination to keep the momentum and solidify their position in the playoff race.

This upcoming fixture against Philadelphia Union presents a significant challenge for the Bulls as they have faced considerable difficulties when up against the visitors, remaining winless in their last 13 encounters across all competitions.

Despite this historical struggle, there is still some reason for optimism, particularly due to the hosts' impressive home form that has made the Red Bull Arena into a fortress, as they remain the only side in the league still unbeaten at home.

This strong home record reflects their solid defensive setup and effective attacking play on familiar turf, which could prove to be a decisive advantage in this matchup against Philadelphia.

 Jack McGlynn and Tai Baribo celebrate a goal scored by the Philadelphia Union on August 9, 2024© Imago

Philadelphia Union find themselves in a precarious position, currently sitting in 10th place in the Eastern Conference - a spot which leaves their playoff ambitions hanging by a thread, a stark contrast to their usual standing as consistent post-season contenders.

For a team that has reached the playoffs for six consecutive years, missing out this season would be a significant setback, amplifying the pressure as the regular season draws to a close.

This unfamiliar low standing is a clear signal of the challenges they have faced throughout the campaign, and with the playoff race tightening, each match now carries immense weight.

The Union are acutely aware that every point is critical, and any slip-up could see them miss out on the playoffs for the first time in seven years, a situation which has undoubtedly added a sense of urgency to their upcoming fixtures.

Manager Jim Curtin now faces the daunting task of reversing the team's fortunes; he must address the current slump and instill belief in his squad to secure a positive result against the high-flying Red Bulls.

Curtin's ability to inspire and tactically outmanoeuvre opponents will be crucial if Philadelphia are to salvage their season and make a late push for a playoff spot.

A significant portion of Philadelphia's hopes will rest on the shoulders of Daniel Gazdag, their most prolific goal scorer this season.

With 14 league goals to his name, Gazdag is one of the top marksmen in the league, underlining his importance to the Union's attack, and his ability to find the back of the net will be vital if the Union are to overcome their struggles and keep their playoff dreams alive.

New York Red Bulls Major League Soccer form:


New York Red Bulls form (all competitions):


Philadelphia Union Major League Soccer form:


Philadelphia Union form (all competitions):



Team News

New York Red Bulls midfielder Emil Forsberg© Reuters

The New York Red Bulls will be without Emil Forsberg, who remains sidelined due to a leg injury, while Roald Mitchell and Serge Ngoma are also unavailable for selection as they continue to recover from knee injuries.

There are further concerns for the Red Bulls, with Wiki Carmona, Andres Reyes, and Peter Stroud all listed as questionable.

Carmona is dealing with a thigh issue, Reyes has a foot problem, and Stroud is nursing an ankle injury. Their potential absence could be a blow to the squad, depending on their fitness closer to match day.

Isaiah LeFlore is expected to return in some capacity for Philadelphia after a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Damion Lowe is no longer available, having secured a move to Saudi Arabia earlier this week.


New York Red Bulls possible starting lineup:
Coronel; Nealis, Alexandre, Eile, Duncan; Harper, Donkor, Edelman, Carmona; Morgan, Manoel

Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Blake; Mbaizo, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner; Martinez, Q Sullivan, Flach; Gazdag; Baribo, Uhre



SM words green background

We say: New York Red Bulls 2-1 Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia's experience and desperation to secure a playoff spot could see them push hard for a result.

However, New York's unbeaten record at Red Bull Arena and their solid defensive setup might be just enough to secure a narrow victory.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.




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Game History

How you voted: NY Red Bulls vs Philadelphia

New York Red Bulls
70.0%
Draw
20.0%
Philadelphia Union
10.0%
10
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Eastern Conference

TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Inter MiamiInter Miami34228479493074
2Columbus Crew34199672403266
3FC CincinnatiCincinnati341851158481059
4Orlando City34157125950952
5Charlotte FCCharlotte FC34149114637951
6New York City FCNY City34148125449550
7New York Red BullsNY Red Bulls34111495550547
8CF MontrealMontreal341110134864-1643
9Atlanta UnitedAtlanta341010144649-340
10DC United341010145270-1840
11Philadelphia UnionPhiladelphia34910156255737
12Toronto34114194061-2137
13Nashville SCNashville3499163854-1636
14New England RevolutionNew England3494213774-3731
15Chicago Fire3479184062-2230

Western Conference

TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Los Angeles FCLos Angeles34197863432064
2Los Angeles GalaxyLA Galaxy34197869501964
3Real Salt LakeSalt Lake341611765481759
4Seattle SoundersSeattle34169951351657
5Houston DynamoHouston34159104739854
6Minnesota UnitedMinnesota Utd34157125849952
7Colorado RapidsColorado34155146160150
8Portland TimbersPortland341211116556947
9Vancouver WhitecapsVancouver34138135249347
10Austin FCAustin34119143948-942
11Dallas34118155456-241
12St Louis City34813135063-1337
13Sporting Kansas CityKansas3487195166-1531
14San Jose EarthquakesEarthquakes3463254178-3721


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