New York Red Bulls will be looking to kickstart their MLS season when they take on Philadelphia Union at the Red Bull Arena on Saturday evening.
After a very slow start, the hosts are bottom of the Eastern Conference, while the visitors are faring slightly better, and they are up in 10th place.
Match preview
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It has been a very disappointing start to the season for NY Red Bulls, having won just one of their opening nine MLS games, with that coming all the way back in mid-March, in a 2-1 victory against Columbus Crew.
The Red Bulls have rarely been outplayed, losing by more than a one-goal margin on just one occasion, but their main problem has been an inability to convert draws into wins, having drawn on six occasions already this season.
Another issue has been a real lack of attacking threat, with Gerhard Struber's side scoring just seven goals up to this point, the joint-lowest amount in the Eastern Conference, and they have scored just three goals in their last five games.
Last time out, NY Red Bulls picked up a point after a 1-1 draw away at Chicago Fire, although they probably should have taken more from the game, given that they piled the pressure on in the second half, dominating possession and having eight shots, with their opponents only having one.
Despite not being able to pick up the three points, it was a much-improved performance from Struber's side, which should give them confidence heading into a game against a team they have a very poor recent record against.
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Indeed, Philadelphia Union are unbeaten against Saturday's opponents in their last nine encounters, most recently emerging 2-0 winners at the Red Bull Arena in September 2022, with Mikael Uhre and Daniel Gazdag getting on the scoresheet.
That said, after reaching the MLS Cup final last season, there has been a considerable drop-off from the Union during the current campaign, having picked up just 11 points in nine games, which leaves them 10 points off top-of-the-table New England Revolution.
Jim Curtin's side have a lot of work to do if they want to be in contention near the top of the table once again, but recent form has been very poor, winning just one of their last six matches in all competitions.
Philadelphia had a shot at redemption against Los Angeles FC in their last match, having lost the MLS Cup final against Steve Cherundolo's side last season, but they were unable to progress in the CONCACAF Champions League.
After drawing 1-1 at Subaru Park, the Union travelled to Los Angeles with everything to play for, but they lost 3-0 after a very poor performance, recording just two shots on target in the entire match, with their opponents managing 12.
Team News
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New York Red Bulls' very poor start to the season has not been helped by the fact they have had a number of injury issues, with midfielders Franuel Amaya, Luquinhas and Lewis Morgan all set to miss out once again.
In defence, Matthew Nocita will also be unavailable, having missed the last four with injury, while young forward Serge Ngoma will not be involved either.
After scoring as a substitute last time out, Cory Burke may be rewarded with a start, replacing Tom Barlow in the starting lineup.
Philadelphia Union have no fresh injury issues to deal with, but Curtin may choose to make a few changes to his side after the heavy defeat in the last match, with Joaquin Torres replacing Julian Carranza in attack.
Quinn Sullivan could also be brought into the side, having featured as a substitute in the last matches, replacing Jack McGlynn in central midfield, with the 19-year-old still yet to record a goal or assist in the MLS this season.
New York Red Bulls possible starting lineup:
Carlos; Reyes, S. Nealis, Tolkin; D. Nealis, Edelman, Casseres, Harper, Fernandez; Barlow, Manoel
Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Blake; Mbaizo, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner; Bedoya, Flach, McGlynn, Gazdag; Carranza, Uhre
We say: New York Red Bulls 1-1 Philadelphia Union
New York Red Bulls have developed a habit of drawing far too many games, while Philadelphia Union have been particularly disappointing on their travels this season, still yet to pick up an away win in any competition.
With both sides struggling to put a solid run of form together, the most likely outcome on Saturday is a draw.
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Top tip
Dominic Lund
