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Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls: Preview and How to Watch

ByRichard DeLaurell|
Apr 8, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General view of Talen Energy Stadium before a match between the Philadelphia Union and the Portland Timbers. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; General view of Talen Energy Stadium before a match between the Philadelphia Union and the Portland Timbers. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Saturday night’s action features eastern Conference rivals New York Red Bulls and the Philadelphia Union squaring off in the Turnpike Derby

Our preview of this weekend’s match between clubs from the north and south ends of the NJ Turnpike. The Philadelphia Union play host Saturday night to New York’s Red Bulls. Union are rock bottom of the Eastern Conference table with just four points and zero wins over their first eight matches played.

Red Bulls are tied for second on the Eastern Conference table but dropped their last game Wednesday night.  Now they look to get back on track and keep pace with conference leaders Orlando City SC.

Apr 22, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake (18) makes a save against the Montreal Impact during the first half at Talen Energy Stadium. The game ended in a 3-3 draw. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake (18) makes a save against the Montreal Impact during the first half at Talen Energy Stadium. The game ended in a 3-3 draw. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Union

  • Current Record (W-L-D): 0-4-4
  • Last Time Out: Draw at nil away to LA Galaxy.
  • Player to Watch For: Keeper Andre Blake.  Last year’s MLS GK of the Year is having a rough 2017 so far.  He’s faced a flurry of shots over the last eight matches.  If he can rise to the challenges of NYRB then his team may pull off the upset.
  • Why They Win: Thus far in their season, they don’t.  Union’s best bet to get their first win of 2017 will be to try to continue last week’s strong defensive showing and hope to create and take their own chances on offense.
  • Why They Won’t: The early season loss of top defender, Joshua Yaro, has the Union defense struggling. The club is also suffering with a conference lowest -6 goal differential.  No offense puts even more pressure on the back line and keeper.  Head coach Jim Curtin set “keep a clean sheet” as last week’s goal against LA and achieved it. But he’ll need more good defending and some offensive production to survive this week against NYRB.
  • Predicted Starting XI:

NY Red Bulls

  • Current Record (W-L-D): 5-4-1
  • Last Time Out: Midweek Inter-conference loss away to Sporting Kansas City, 0-2.
  • Player to Watch For: Bradley Wright-Phillips (F) has started nine of ten games for his side this season. He’s scored four goals to lead NYRB’s balanced and potent offensive attack.
  • Why They Win: From midfielder Felipe forward Red Bulls get a lot of shots on goal.  Behind them keeper Luis Robles is the difference.  He has kept four clean sheets in 10 starts but posted a -1 GD.  When it all comes together, Red Bulls win.
  • Why They Might Be Beaten: NYRB has a very deep roster, but they are scheduled for three matches over eight days this week. They will take the field against Philadelphia on two days rest, still smarting from the loss to SKC. It’s not much, but it might give Union fans a reason to show up.
  • Predicted Starting XI:

Score Prediction:

NEXT: MLS Power Rankings Week 9

How to Watch:

Where: Talen Energy Stadium, Chester, PA

When:  May 6, 2017, 7p ET

Channel: MLS LIVE, The Comcast Network, MSG+ 2

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