Atlanta United vs. NY Red Bulls: Preview and How to Watch
Atlanta United looks to defeat a New York Red Bull team that wants to bounce back after a tough CONCACAF Champions League loss Thursday.
On March 5th, 2017, Atlanta United is set to play its inaugural match against the New York Red Bulls at sold out Bobby Dodd Stadium in midtown Atlanta. New York will have to contend with almost 3,000 miles of travel to get return from Vancouver after Thursday’s 2nd leg loss against the Whitecaps in CONCACAF Champion’s League quarterfinal play.
Red Bull’s manager Jesse Marsch will have some interesting lineup decisions to make after playing a full strength team Thursday. Running on tired legs, the Red Bulls might have to play some reserves to avoid exhaustion.
Despite the untimely travel schedule, New York will look to continue its on-field success in 2017. Marsch hopes to build on the team’s conference winning regular season campaign last year. Young players like Sean Davis, Tyler Adams (currently away with the US U-20s in World Cup Qualifying) and Alex Muyl will make the club one to watch as the season progresses.
Likewise, Atlanta United boasts three DPs that are 23 and under, while having a couple star homegrowns of their own as well. The club has seemingly done everything right so far, perfectly crafting the expansion side to succeed in the future.
Predicted Atlanta XI
Expect Tata Martino to run Atlanta out in a 4-2-3-1, at least to start the match. Hector Villalba and Josef Martinez will stretch the field and cause nightmares for the Red Bull defense. Miguel Almiron will occupy his usual playmaking role, where he has looked dangerous in so far in preseason.
One very interesting decision will be whether Kenwyne Jones or Josef Martinez will play striker. Right now, it looks like Tata will go with Martinez up top, as Jones doesn’t fit Martino’s system. Like New York, Martino’s system is designed to press opponents.
Consequently, Atlanta could get caught on the break if they aren’t careful. Tyrone Mears had a middling preseason, and while he did look competent going forward, he often fell behind on the defensive front. Look for New York to try and expose Atlanta’s right side, with an aging partnership of 33 year old Mears and Michael Parkhurst causing potential problems.
Predicted New York XI
Jesse Marsch will utilize the 4-2-3-1 against Atlanta, after rolling out the 4-2-2-2 in Vancouver. Instead of using Gonzalo Veron at striker, Alex Muyl may start out left. Sacha Kljestan and Bradley Wright-Phillips will give Atlanta’s defense problems, as the expansion side is still working out its backline chemistry.
Sean Davis and Felipe Martins have proved to be reliable stalwarts in the New York midfield. However, Atlanta’s speed on the wings means the Red Bulls will have to stay motivated. Nonetheless, due to Atlanta’s inexperience playing together, chances should be available aplenty for the Red Bulls.
Where to Watch
- Fox Sports 1 (USA)
- MLS Live (Canada)
Next: MLS 2017: Team Previews for all 22 clubs
Prediction
Even though Atlanta is an expansion side, they will come out swinging Sunday against a jet-lagged New York squad. Atlanta’s first-game exuberance should propel them to a win here. It’ll be close, however. Atlanta wins 2-1, on a game-winning goal from super sub Andrew Carleton.