They maybe leading the Eastern Conference MLS table with 2 victories from 2 games but, the New York Red Bulls are a team in Mourning. Their coach Hans Backe is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to remove his gall bladder. Backe who complained of Severe stomach pains just before his sides 1-0 victory over Seattle looks set to miss the rest of the season.
The ironical thing is that Richie Williams one of the clubs assistant coaches who was on the bench for the Seattle game led his side to their first road victory in nearly 2 years. On a weekend where all fixtures will be played on Saturday, The Red Bulls will want to send Backe a get well soon present by beating Chivas.
Chivas who are yet to record their first win of the new season will have their cut out for them when they host the Red Bulls tomorrow. The Red Bulls will mostly likely use a 4-4-2 formation with the former Villa man Juan Pablo Angel leading their assault. Although out of form, the red Bulls can still rely on their midfield who have shown that they are more than capable of scoring goals. Joel Lindepere and Macoumba Kandji can provide the Red Bulls with more attacking options.
Chivas on the other hand have players like Osael Romero, Sacha Kljestan, Bornstein and Maykel Galindo, who can change the face of any game. Playing intheir usual 4-5-1 formation (which does not seem to be working according to me) Chivas will be hoping that their home advantage will be enough to see of the New York Red Bulls.
The Red Bulls will hoping that their perfect start to the season will continue and the odds favour them to win this match. Going the their last slender victories, i expect the Red Bulls to win this game by a similar 1-0 margin or end the game in a barren draw.
Photo credit: frescoVA