New York Red Bulls to continue their winning start to the season.
New York Red Bulls have started well and could end up being the team to beat this season. On Sunday, they are up against Minnesota United, a side who are still searching for their first win of the season.
The two sides have faced off thrice in MLS history, and the New Yorkers have the head-to-head advantage. The Red Bulls won the first two meetings between the two sides – both by a 3-0 scoreline – but lost 2-1 in 2019 at the Red Bull Arena.
Given the two sides’ form, the home side are the favorites to win. It will be a tight clash as the away side has been solid at the back – having conceded just twice in their opening two games – and will put up a fight.
The home side is expected to pick up a narrow win, with Lewis Morgan – who was Player of The Week in gameweek 2 – and Patryk Klimala expected to play vital roles.
After a shocking pre-season, Gerhard Struber’s side were not expected to get into top gear anytime soon. They were thrashed by LAFC in their final club friendly game, and they ended up losing three of their six matches.
However, things have been in stark contrast since the MLS season kicked off, and the New York Red Bulls are flying high.
They defeated San Jose Earthquakes 3-1 on the opening weekend, thanks to second-half goals from Omir Fernandez and Tom Barlow. Things got better in their first home game of the season.
Lewis Morgan scored a first-half hat-trick, and Aaron Long added another, as the Red Bulls won 4-1 against Toronto FC. Patryk Klimala has been their best player in the two games, scoring their opening goal of the season and assisting all goals during Morgan’s hat-trick.
New York Red Bulls are not expected to dominate possession on Sunday but should have more shots on goal. In the first two matches, they have averaged just 32% possession, despite having 31 shots.
Minnesota United did not enjoy a good pre-season and managed just one win in their 5 matches. They did lose just once as well, but they were not great in front of goal.
That issue has persisted at the start of the MLS, where they’ve picked up draws in their first two games against Philadelphia Union and Nashville SC. While Minnesota weren’t expected to win both games, their lack of composure in the box is turning into something of a big concern.
Over the two MLS games, they have managed 26 shots, but only 8 have been on target. In contrast, they have conceded 33 attempts at their goal, but some solid defending has forced their opponents to take shots from outside the box or from difficult angles.
Minnesota United averaged 51% possession in their opening two games and could see the majority of the ball on Sunday. However, they need to be careful as the New York Red Bulls score often on the counter.
New York Red Bulls vs Minnesota United | |
Teams | New York Red Bulls vs Minnesota United |
Location | Red Bull Arena |
Time | Sunday, March 13 at 7pm EST |
How to watch | MLS LIVE on ESPN+, MSG, Bally Sports North EXTRA |
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