MLS: MLS Cup Playoffs-Round One-New York Red Bulls at Columbus Crew from

New York Red Bulls Prepare for Intense Battle Against Columbus Crew in MLS Cup Playoffs Round One

Red Bulls Aim to Overcome Crew's Recent Dominance

The New York Red Bulls have arrived in Columbus, Ohio, preparing for a challenging encounter against the Columbus Crew in the opening round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. The Crew has been a formidable opponent in recent matches, winning three of the last four meetings against the Red Bulls. New York will need to put in a strong performance to overcome the Crew's home-field advantage and advance to the next round.

Key Players to Watch

Several key players will be instrumental in determining the outcome of this match. For the Red Bulls, midfielder Lewis Morgan has been in excellent form, scoring five goals and providing three assists in his last ten appearances. Forward Patryk Klimala has also been a consistent threat, finding the net on four occasions during that same span. For the Crew, midfielder Lucas Zelarayán will be the player to watch. He has been directly involved in 12 goals in his last ten matches, scoring seven and assisting on five. Forward Gyasi Zardes will also be a danger to the Red Bulls' defense, having scored nine goals in 2022.

Tactical Analysis

Both teams are expected to adopt attacking formations, with the Red Bulls likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 system and the Crew countering with a 4-3-3. The Red Bulls will look to control possession and create chances through their wide players, while the Crew will aim to hit their opponents on the counterattack.

Prediction

The match is expected to be a close and exciting affair. Both teams have the potential to win, but the Crew's recent dominance over the Red Bulls gives them a slight edge. The Crew will also benefit from the support of their home crowd. However, the Red Bulls have a strong team and will be determined to prove their worth. The match could go either way, but the Crew are narrowly favored to advance to the next round.