New York Red Bulls will be hoping to continue their impressive run of form in MLS when they host Orlando City at the Red Bull Arena on Saturday evening.
The hosts are now just one point outside the playoff places, currently sitting in 11th place, and they will leapfrog the visitors in the table if they record a victory this weekend.
Match preview
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NY Red Bulls got off to a very poor start to the 2023 campaign, winning just one of their first 11 games, but they have considerably improved since parting ways with Gerhard Struber at the beginning of May.
Since Troy Lesesne took over, his side have collected 10 points from five matches, meaning they have now shot up the table, with the playoffs now well within reach, but they will need to improve their record in front of goal.
Games involving the Red Bulls have not produced many goals, and they have scored just 11 times in 16 matches, the fewest of any side in the MLS, but their defensive record is the third-best in the division.
As such, if Lesesne's side can find their feet in front of goal while also keeping it tight at the back, they could still make a real success of this season, and they put in a very impressive performance last time out.
In a trip to Inter Miami, NY Red Bulls recorded a 1-0 victory courtesy of a second-half Tom Barlow goal, but in truth it could have been far more, given that they recorded nine shots on target, with their opponents only mustering up one.
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Orlando City have struggled with consistency so far this season, failing to win two games on the bounce, but they have been very impressive on the road, which should give them confidence heading into Saturday's game.
The Lions have the second-best away record in the Eastern Conference, most recently defeating Inter Miami 2-1, but they were unable to follow that victory up with a win at home last time out.
Oscar Pareja's side were held to a point at home against Atlanta United, which is not an awful result on paper, but the manner of it will be frustrating, given that their opponents equalised very late on, against the run of play.
To look at things in a more positive light, Orlando City have been far more difficult to beat recently, having gone undefeated in their last four MLS games, but they only managed to win one of those, meaning they could fall out of the playoffs on Saturday.
Recent history is on the Lions' side, however, as they have won their last three matches against New York Red Bulls, recording a 1-0 victory back in February courtesy of a Facundo Torres goal.
Team News
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New York Red Bulls will be without right-back Cameron Harper, as the 21-year-old was shown a red card against Inter Miami last time out, meaning Kyle Duncan is likely to get the nod, having recently made his return from injury.
Omir Fernandez has been a real miss over the past three games, and the attacking midfielder is set to be unavailable again due to injury, so Dante Vanzeir should keep his place in the side, playing provider for striker Cory Burke in a 4-2-3-1 system.
As for Orlando City, Luca Petrasso remains sidelined due to injury, so Rafael Santos should keep his place at left-back, having started the last two matches, scoring his first goal for the club in the 3-1 victory against Inter Miami.
Gaston Gonzalez had to undergo knee surgery last year, and injuries are beginning to plague the Argentinian again, as he will be unavailable this weekend, meaning Mauricio Pereyra is poised to start in an advanced midfield role, supporting Ercan Kara in attack.
New York Red Bulls possible starting lineup:
Carlos; Duncan, Reyes, Nealis, Tolkin; Stroud, Amaya, Luquinhas, Carmona, Vanzeir; Burke
Orlando City possible starting lineup:
Gallese; Smith, Carlos, Jansson, Santos; Araujo, Cartagena, Torres, Pereyra, Cortes; Kara
We say: New York Red Bulls 1-1 Orlando City
New York Red Bulls are a much-improved side under the helm of Lesesne, and they have won their last two MLS home games, but Orlando City have made a habit out of drawing against decent opposition in recent weeks.
As such, we expect the spoils to be shared on Saturday in what is likely to be a low-scoring game, given NY Red Bulls' stellar defensive record.
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