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It has been a tough season for both sides, but with the Eastern Conference playoff places still not decided both New York Red Bulls and Chicago Fire can still sneak into the postsesason. The New York Red Bulls vs Chicago Fire predicted lineups suggest that the two teams will be looking to attack. Their respective recent games at home and on the road haven’t produced many goals, but are they ready to set off some fireworks?
The corresponding fixture last season was a 3-3 draw after a frenetic finish, which saw Xherdan Shaqiri’s 89th minute go-ahead goal cancelled out by an even later Patryk Klimala equaliser.
New York Red Bulls vs Chicago Fire predicted lineups and news
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The home team are looking in better form heading into this potentially decisive face-off at the Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls are unbeaten in three matches, while the visitors from The Windy City have gone nine matches without taking maximum points.
In what will be the 67th meeting between these two classic teams, New York Red Bulls have avoided defeat in the last three encounters. However, the games are usually close and fun to watch, both teams have scored in four of the last five contests and Chicago have taken the lead in the last three.
Team news: New York Red Bulls
Head coach Troy Lesene was “thrilled” to secure the services of young Colombian central defender Andrés Reyes for three years, the 23 year old signed a new deal on Thursday. Reyes ranks second in the MLS for intereceptions and has formed a good partnership with Red Bulls captain Sean Nealis.
Nealis however is suspended so Hassan Ndam could step in, further forward we can expect Luquinhas and Omir Fernández to continue on the flanks. In the last match John Tolkin emerged from the sidelines to sentence DC United to defeat with the fifth goal in a 5-3 win. The 21-year-old homegrown star also provided his seventh asssit in all competitions this year, the most at the club.
New York Red Bulls predicted lineup: 4-4-2
Coronel- Harper, Ndam, Reyes, Tolkin – Fernández, Edelman, Amaya, Luquinhas – Barlow, Manoel
Team news: Chicago Fire
The big news is that Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri is back from suspension, having served a one-match ban following his red card against Columbus Crew. He will be a crucial player alongside veteran forward Kei Kamara if the Fire are to get anything from this road trip. Chicago have been terrible on recent travels, failing to find the net in their last four MLS games away from Solider Field.
Interim coach Frank Klopas is waiting on the fitness of defender Rafael Czichos who was injured in the defeat to Columbus Crew and missed the 2-2 draw with New England Revs last week. Colombian Carlos Terán has filled in for the German so far, while Brian Gutiérrez had stepped up in Shaqiri’s absence to score in that 2-2 draw.
Chicago Fire predicted lineup: 4-2-3-1
Brady- Dean, Terán, Omsberg, Navarro- Giménez, Doumbia – Haile-Selassie, Shaqiri, Herbers – Kamara
Will Brian Gutiérrez play today?
The young American has been an important part of Chicago’s set up this year, the 20-year-old attacking midfielder has been a good foil to Kamara and scored his second of the season in the last match. However, Gutiérrez was foreced off in the 88th minute with what seemed to be a serious injury. Will he be back to play against New York Red Bulls?
Brian Gutiérrez with the immediate response to finish and level it 1-1. #CF97
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— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 24, 2023
Frank Klopas confirmed midweek that the scans were positive, confirming there was no ligament damage. He was training with the team this week, but the Head Coach said they were taking it day-by-day. With Shaqiri back from suspension it gives Gutiérrez a chance to take a breather and fully recover for the home game against Inter Miami. It would be highly unlikely he starts here.
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