OVERVIEW:

With the season into its fourth week, the Red Bulls find themselves at an even .500 heading into a showdown with the up and down New England Revolution. Red Bull killer Taylor Twellman is out with a long term injury, but the Revs have compensated well with their Gambian connection - Mansally and Sainey Nyassi. Will the Bulls, winless in their last 10 meetings against the Revs (0-7-3), break the snide?

CURRENT STANDING (including Thursdays Crew v. DC game):

……………………….GMS……….PTS

Columbus ……………4………….9

Kansas City …………4………….7

Chicago ……………….3………….7

New England ………4…………..6

New York ………….2…………..3

D.C. United ………….4……….3

Toronto FC ………….3…………3

INJURIES:

Freeman - 4-6 weeks - MCL (has started light participation at training sessions)
Richards - 6-10 weeks - (has started light participation at training sessions)
Eric Brunner - indefinite (has started light participation at training sessions)
David Roth - 3-6 weeks - knee

PROJECTED LINEUP:

=======Altidore====Angel=======
Van Den Bergh==Reyna=======Sassano
====Stammler==Ubiparipovic======
===Goldthwaite==Parke===Leitch===
==========Conway==============

BEHIND THE SCENES:

+ Juan Pablo Angel is expected to be back in the fold this week, after participating full speed at practice this past Thursday.

+ The Dynamic Duo of Angel and Altidore have a chance to take advantage of the Revs weakened, and unstable lineup. Taylor Twellman, well known as a Red Bulls killer, will have to watch this game from the sidelines. Throw in an injured Chris Albright, Brian Noonan and a hobbled Jeff Lorentowitz, and one would have to think, all things taken into consideration, that the advantages are stacked for the home team. The Dynamic duo must do more to break the Revolution defense and net points for this game.

+ Jeff Parke is back from his double yellow performance (red suspention) in week 2.

+ Osorio is trying to bring stability to our lineup, after a year of flux and change under Bruce Arena (nearly a new lineup for every week last season). The above line up seems to be the squad that he is trying to march out there. With the injured Freeman and Richards in training sessions, this may be best shot for Chris Leitch and Luke Sassano to make the most of their precious quality minutes.

KEY MATCHUPS:

Jozy Altidore v. Michael Parkhurst

Without question, Parkhurst is the leader of the Revolutions backlines. With a hobbled Chris Albright, and offseason losses like James Riley, the defensive responsibility and leadership has been placed squarely on his shoulders. Juan Pablo Angel returning would be plenty to deal with. But this matchup is meant for Altidore. Altidore towers over Parkhurst, who uses his speed and placement to defend against larger players. Altidore will have to play on his height, skill and agility to best the diminutive all star centerback. And with very little help behind him, aside from Matt Reis, Altidore will have plenty of opportunity to best Parkhurst down the middle.

Luke Sassano v. Khano Smith

Luke Sassano is a rookie, with good size and mobility. Khano Smith is a one man wrecking ball. Smith, an emotional player, is a player who can be turned like a faucet - hot or cold - in seconds. He is large, imposing, and a very physical player. It will be interesting to see how Sassano handles a charging Smith, and whether or not Smith can play on his inexperience and create chances.

Claudio Reyna v. Shalrie Joseph

How can two of the best central defensive midfielders be considered a key matchup? When one of them is playing an attacking roll.

And from what we have seen, it looks like Claudio Reyna, at the tender age of 34, continues to learn and play that roll for the Bulls, with a good amount of effectiveness. Joseph has been one of the most respected CDM’s in the MLS for the past few years, drawing plenty of interest from clubs overseas, such as Celtic. To see the old lion in the new suit against another tried and true vet will make for some great football for sure.

PREDICTION:

Red Bulls beat the Revs at home, 1-0.

Goal by:
+ Jozy Altidore (Reyna assist)

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