Mega Preview: NY Red Bulls vs NE Revolution

Game Details

When: Saturday, August 2nd, 7:00 pm

Opponent: New England Revolution

TV: MSG, MLS Live

Standings:

• Revolution: 8-11-2, 26 points, 3rd in East
• Red Bulls: 5-6-10, 25 points, 6th in East

What We Know

The defense will have a hole in it

Jamison Olave was suspended for 2 games by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for his grab at the nuts of Real Salt Lake's Olmes Garcia (who wasn't penalized for instigating). That leaves a big hole in the Red Bulls back line. We'll cover this more in What We Don't.

The Revolution's losing streak is over

The Revolution broke an eight game losing streak on Wednesday, beating the Colorado Rapids 3-0. We all know that if the Revolution came into the game with a nine game losing streak, the Red Bulls would've found a way to lose, and be the team that broke the streak. At least now the Red Bulls won't be that team.

The NPSL Championship

The Red Bulls U-23 team will be hosting Chattanooga FC in the 2014 National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) Championship, directly following the Revolution match (9:30 pm kickoff). If you are going to the Revolution match, you'll be allowed to stay for the second match. The game will also be live streamed on the Red Bulls website.

What We Don't

Who will fill in for Olave

Olave was partnered with Ibrahim Sekagya against RSL. That leave just Armando, Matt Miazga, and the newly signed Damien Perrinelle to fill in Olave. The smart money would probably be on Miazga, given how Petke used him before his stretch of two bad games. However, if the new signing Perrinelle is fit, he could be used on Saturday.

Who will start at the wings?

Lloyd Sam was out for the RSL match due to yellow card accumulation, which led to Eric Alexander starting on the right and Ambroise Oyongo on the left. Roy Miller and Oyongo played well together on the left, both against RSL and Arsenal last Saturday. Eric Alexander had a poor showing at RSL. With Sam coming back, can we see Alexander relegated to the bench with Oyongo keeping his spot at left wing?

Which Red Bulls team will show up?

The Red Bulls have been a very Jekyll & Hyde team this year. They've had two good games against RSL and Arsenal, but had a string of poor games before that. They give up early goals and give away leads. They haven't won a game after giving up the first goal. Then they turn in two 4-1 wins against Houston and Columbus. So which team will show up on Saturday?

Predictions

Every game during the 2014 New York Red Bulls season will be predicted by Jason Iapicco, Matt Coyne, Tim Dean, Austin Fido, and Red Bull Rant co-hosts Patrick MacDonald, and Truman. We'll be tracking how well we do, awarding points for each prediction. For each game, 1 point will be awarded for correctly predicting a Win, Loss, or Draw; and 2 points for a correct score prediction. Let's take a look at predictions for the upcoming game.

Matt Coyne: 2-0 Win

The Revs just ended a losing streak that was nearly of historic proportions. But I don't think they'll turn things around this weekend.

Tim Dean: 2-2 Draw

At which point we all go flush ourselves down a toilet.

Austin Fido: 2-0 Win

I'll hate myself for this optimism in the morning.