New England against the Red Bulls is a question of roles: the home side wants the ball, and that is exactly the setting their opponents enjoy most. In Austin, two teams that both need a win meet with the home defence short of two centre-backs. In both matches, what each team is being asked to do matters more than the league table.
New England have won three in a row, but they won those games without the ball and while being out-created, with their keeper Turner having a huge night at Philadelphia. Their coach now says they will try to keep possession against the Red Bull press. This season, New England's worst results came when they had most of the ball, and New York's best attacking nights came when they had little of it.
The key matchup is the Red Bull press against New England's build-up, especially down the left where a converted winger plays at full-back. Turgeman on the break is New England's best answer, and the Red Bulls' reshuffled centre-backs without Bazan are a real question. Even so, New England are without Campana and Harrison up front, and the visitors have a strong bench in Forsberg and Choupo-Moting. A level game is a realistic outcome too.
In Austin, the hosts must push forward with a back three missing Applewhite and Bell. Real Salt Lake's strength is the counter through Solans and Guilavogui, and the same XI just produced plenty of shots at Kansas City and against St. Louis. Salt Lake's own defending away from home is loose, so Uzuni should get his looks as well. Neither side can settle for a draw, and both benches add attackers after the hour.
That's why I'm siding with the Red Bulls not to lose in New England, and with a goal-filled game in Austin.
