“Lade Scented Plugins” - RBNY predicted XI: @ Portland Timbers, MLS 2017, Match 24

When the MLS schedule-makers moved the Red Bulls game from August 19th to August 18th, they probably didn’t expect that the team would be fresh off a 120-minute showdown with FC Cincinnati just three nights prior. Now, on limited rest, on the road, against one of the more saturated rosters in the league, the Red Bulls must prepare for a match with the Portland Timbers.

There is heavy speculation that Jesse Marsch will rest some of his players who played the full 120 minutes in preparation for next week’s big derby match with NYC FC, so we could vey well see several players getting their first starts in a while or first starts for the team.

Here is the RBNY predicted XI vs Portland:

GK Luis Robles

DF Connor Lade - Aurelien Collin - Damien Perrinelle - Sal Zizzo: You better believe Zizzo will be back in the lineup after his game-winning assist on Tuesday.

DM Dan Metzger - Tyler Adams: Will we get a preview of the defensive midfield of the future?

AM Kemar Lawrence - Felipe - Derrick Etienne Jr.: Kemar Lawrence needs another start in the midfield as he continues to adjust to his new role, and Kljestan probably won’t play at all.

FW Gonzalo Veron: Bradley Wright-Phillips needs a break and Gonzalo Veron needs a start. Hmm...

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The last time Jesse Marsch rested players in a game with a Western Conference foe before a more important game against a derby rival, his plan blew up in his face.

Hopefully the team has reached a level of form where they can continue to play winning soccer even without two or three of their best players.

What do you think?