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New York City vs New York Red Bulls: Schwarz aims for ‘perfect week’

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Sandro Schwarz has called on the New York Red Bulls to make it a ‘perfect’ week when they visit rivals New York City for a meeting between two of the top teams in MLS.

The Red Bulls sit third in the Eastern Conference, five points behind leaders Inter Miami with a game in hand, after back-to-back wins over the New England Revolution (4-2) and DC United (4-1).

Just three points further back is NYCFC, who have taken 15 points from the last 18 available to climb the standings.

Schwarz knows a derby win this week would be hugely important for the Red Bulls, saying: “It’s a short week and we need all our players, not just 11, 12 or 13.

“On Saturday we know it is an important match for our club and we want to experience this perfect week. We already have six points this week and we want to create them. It goes step by step.”

NYCFC boss Nick Cushing, meanwhile, is happy that his side are looking more dangerous in transition after back-to-back wins over Toronto FC (3-2) and the Philadelphia Union (2-1).

“I think my goal at the start of the season was to have us create goal chances in every phase of the game,” Cushing said.

“Last year we had good moments, but maybe we weren’t great in bad moments or when counter-pressing.

“I’m very happy that we create from transition moments, but when we have more ball possession you have control and you can take the atmosphere out of matches.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

New York City – Santiago Rodriguez

Rodriguez assisted New York City’s opening goal in their midweek win over Philadelphia.

NYCFC has a record of five wins, one draw and one defeat in the seven games in which Rodriguez has contributed to a goal this season, compared to one win, one draw and four losses when he hasn’t.

New York Red Bulls – Lewis Morgan

Morgan, Elias Manoel and Cameron Harper each scored in the Red Bulls’ last two games.

The last time two Red Bulls players scored in three consecutive games was between March and April 2012, when Kenny Cooper and Thierry Henry each scored in the same three consecutive games.

MATCH PREDICTION – WIN IN NEW YORK CITY

The Red Bulls won each of their first two road games against New York City, scoring ten goals in the process.

However, the Red Bulls have won just one of their last nine visits to Yankee Stadium since then (two draws, six losses), which equates to just seven goals in those matches.

NYCFC have won five of their last six games (one defeat) after starting the campaign with just one win in seven. With home advantage on their side they could only be slim favorites for what should be an entertaining affair.

OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING

New York City – 45.2%

New York Red Bulls – 25.9%

Draw – 28.9%

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