Preview: New York Red Bulls (a).
When? Saturday August 13, 3 p.m. PT, 6 p.m. ET and 11:00 p.m. BST.
Where? Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ.
How can I catch the action? The game will be broadcast via MLS Live on ESPN+ and DAZN for residents of North America. For those in central Florida, it's Fox 35 Plus and LionNation TV. Radio commentary is available on 96.9. The Game and Accion 97.9 FM. For us UK folk the game is on Sky Sports Football.
Another day, another game against the Red Bulls. Things have gone decidedly south for Orlando City since our last meeting with Gerhard Struber's team. Though, admittedly, things haven't been much better for them either.
This is shaping up to be a great game! Two teams who are both drastically out of form. The game should end up being a classic...
Red Bull's style
As I said in my preview for the Open Cup game, the Red Bulls are an all action high pressing team. And nothing has changed in that regard, so I won't deep dive into the numbers.
The Red Bulls have the additional caveat of wanting revenge for their defeat at Exploria Stadium, and with them being the home side, I'd expect a high energy performance from them. I think they'll try to stunt our build up from the back, but I don't think they'll be as gung-ho as they were in the Open Cup at times.
Expect a fiery display from the Red Bulls, but one with a sprinkling of caution.
Team news
The Red Bulls are set to be with AJ Marcucci and Serge Ngoma through injury. Aside from that, it's a fully available squad for them.
As for Orlando City, Ercan Kara is officially listed as questionable, but the team will assess his fitness closer to kick off. New signing Wilder Cartagena could feature, after appearing on the bench last time out.
This section will be updated as new information becomes available.
Possible starting XI
I can see Aaron Long coming back into the XI, after being rested last week other than that, I can see it being an unchanged team:
Top player
Lewis Morgan
Lewis Morgan continues to be a a positive attacking influence for the Red Bulls. The former Celtic man has 10 goals and 3 assists in MLS play, he's also scored a further 3 goals in the cup, including one well take strike against ourselves at Exploria Stadium a few weeks back. The tricky winger is just as comfortable coming in off the flank as he is going on the outside. Could be the key to victory for the Red Bulls.
Form
Since Orlando's win in the US Open Cup semi-final, both teams have fallen off something of a cliff. The Red Bulls have lost 5-4 against Colorado, and dropped a 2-0 friendly result against FC Barcelona. Last time out they drew 0-0 in D.C. The Red Bulls are 10-7-7 and currently sit 4th in the east.
Orlando City, fresh off their 0-3 defeat to New England Revolution, are currently winless in 5 MLS games. They currently sit 8th, with a 8-6-10 record.
*All statistics courtesy of fotmob.com.
Cover image courtesy of Orlando City SC.
Line-up graphic courtesy of chosen11.com.
Media availability footage courtesy of Orlando City SC.
