Coming off their first loss in six matches, the Red Bulls will look to get back in the win column, or at least pick up a point, when they travel to Chicago to take on the Fire on Sunday. The Fire have drawn all but two of their home games, whereas the Red Bulls have drawn all but three of their away games, so to say on paper a draw would be the expected result would be an understatement.
The Red Bulls will welcome back Thierry Henry back to the lineup as he was suspended and severely missed on Thursday against the Sounders. I would expect Austin Da Luz, or perhaps Ballouchy to be dropped to the bench with the inclusion of Henry. This will mean Henry will likely partner with De Rosario up top, Dane Richards will be out wide with either Da Luz or Ballouchy on the other flank. The rest of the line up should be the same as it was against the Sounders will Tainio and Lindpere in the center of the park with Mendes and Keel behind them at center back. Solli and Miller should, as always, play at their respective outside back positions. It will be interesting to see who starts in goal for the Red Bulls. Many fans would like to see Sutton dropped to the bench after the dismal performance he put in against Seattle. Coundoul is certainly a worthy candidate to regain his spot as the first choice keeper, but Sutton also has done well overall in net so to drop him after one very bad game may be a little harsh. I don’t think there is too much that separates either one, so whatever choice Backe makes it should not have a tremendous impact on proceedings.
Overall it has to be said that, with all due respect to Chicago, this is an easier test for the Red Bulls than going into Seattle. I would think most people would agree Seattle is a better team than the Fire and newly named CenturyLink Field is a harder place to play than Toyota Park. That being said though, no road match is ever easy and the Fire also come into this game riding a six game unbeaten run (granted five of those games have been draws). All in all in should be an interesting match as both teams will be hungry to secure the three points. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 2 P.M. eastern time on ESPN so tune in if you can.
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