MLS Midweek Fixture

The MLS schedule unveils a singular midweek fixture on Wednesday night and with an ever-growing fanbase the league hopes for an outstanding showcase from these participating teams.

NY Red Bulls vs. Vancouver
5-22-2019 - 8:00 pm ET - ESPN Plus
Red Bulls Arena, Harrison, New Jersey

The battle of Eastern and Western conference clubs takes center stage at the Red Bull Arena, and with each side coming off positive results their last times out, each should be anxious to follow those performances up with more points in the standings.

The NY Red Bulls has long been one of the model franchises in the league, and we should expect this proud club to start moving up the table as the weeks continue to pass.

Chris Armas was handed the reigns of this successful franchise when longtime manager Jesse Marsch made the jump to Europe, and now in his second season on the sidelines, the former assistant is expected to carry out the high standards that have been set before him.

Red Bull's Main Man Remains Sidelined

The league's all-time leading goal scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips remains a major doubt for Wednesday's contest. The English striker has been on the shelf for the past six games, and with a nagging hamstring injury, the potent striker will be a major miss if unable to lead the line once again.

The hosts have picked up the slack since their star trigger man's departure from the lineup, and the Red Bull's confidence was boosted even more over the weekend, with a 1-0 victory over defending MLS champs Atalanta United with only ten men as they moved into the sixth spot in the table.

Brian White has assumed the role as the teams dedicated number-nine. The young American striker has filled in admirably since getting the opportunity to play additional minutes, with two goals over the past three matches, he will be leaned on once again to help carry the scoring load for the Red Bulls in front of goal.

New York will also be without the services of Florian Valot, Aaron Long, Vincent Bezecou, and Tim Parker who will be serving a one-match ban for picking up a red card his last time out. The depth of the squad has proved ready for the chance to shine, reeling off three straight victories and averaging 2.3 goals over this resurgent run of form.

Vancouver arrives in town struggling to find consistency throughout the new campaign, despite a stoppage-time equalizer their last time out, the Canadian outfit is still hovering around the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

Marc Dos Santos has been challenged to find comradery within his current squad, with a total overhaul from his side last season, the veteran headman continues to look for solutions within his team's inconsistent play.

The Cap's Road Woes

The visitors have been challenged to collect wins away from home, having only produced one victory during their travels. Vancouver has averaged 1.1 goals on the road, giving them the confidence they can find the back of the net while at the Red Bull Arena.

Fredy Montero remains the guest's main target man moving forward in attack. The well-traveled striker tends to be at his best from long range out, netting three goals as part of the Cap's front-line, the Colombian will be a marked man by the Red Bull's defenders.

Vancouver has also endured a large number of injuries throughout their revised unite, with Jasser Khemiri, Matthew Baldisimo, Yordy Reyna, Jon Erice, and Lass all officially ruled out of Wednesday's match, adding additional pressure on their current members to pick up the pieces against their Eastern Conference opponents.

NY Red Bulls vs Vancouver - Preview

The Red Bulls have enjoyed playing this Vancouver side while on their own pitch over the years, posting a 3-0 winner last season, giving them the blueprint to victory as the matchday arrives.

New York seems to have found their stride at just the right moment, after a sluggish start to their new season the Red Bulls are flying high. Chris Armas enjoys placing his wingers in favorable positions to succeed, where they place continuous pressure on opposing backlines and create set-piece situations where the Red Bulls are extremely strong.

Vancouver has struggled on both sides of the pitch and finding their momentum has been a challenge. The Cap's are best suited moving down the left side of the pitch where they attempt to create space and release long-range shots to keep opposing goalkeepers on edge.

Based on this specific matchup I expect the Red Bulls to have a respectable performance, and with their home supporters behind them, I anticipate a victory from the hosts to start a new match week.

NY Red Bulls vs Vancouver - Betting Tips

NY Red Bulls  -0.5 +100 / 2.0 - 1H
NY Red Bulls  -1  -115 / 1.87  -  FT 

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