Lineup Prediction: New York Red Bulls vs Philadelphia Union

There were no reports out of training to suggest the New York Red Bulls have any injuries or forced absences - beyond the continuing suspension of Matt Miazga - that will affect the lineup selected to play Philadelphia Union on October 18. This is RBNY's last home game of the MLS regular season. It is, effectively, already in a playoff situation: a tight Supporters' Shield race will go down to the last weekend of the year, and every point is crucial.

In mid-week, Jesse Marsch sprang yet another surprise on those of us engaged in the futile task of predicting his starting lineups: he handed Sal Zizzo his first start at right back in a situation where a presumptive preferred option (Connor Lade) was available. Is Zizzo now RBNY's starting right back? He does offer a little more going forward than Lade, and it is hard to identify anything glaringly wrong with his performances over the last few games. If Zizzo earned the start in Toronto, it would be harsh to suggest he didn't do enough to win the start against Philly.

The priority, one assumes, will be to win this game and secure three points - so perhaps Marsch will stick with the more attacking option at right back and hope his team can get ahead early.

Beyond the right back position, and with Miazga unavailable for selection until next week's trip to Chicago, expect to see a familiar group lining up for RBNY for the home finale of the team's 2015 regular season.