MLS Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals Return Leg

The return leg of the MLS Eastern Conference finals takes place on Thursday night, and after Atlanta United FC took a commanding 3-0 lead last Sunday, the Red Bulls will be fighting for their playoff lives.

There should be plenty of fireworks when the top two teams in the Eastern Conference match-up again in as many days, with so much on the line for each party involved, we should be witnessed to an outstanding 90 plus minutes of footballing action.

New York Red Bulls vs Atlanta United FC 
Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey 
11-29-2018 - 7:30 pm ET - FS1

The Red Bulls faithful will be out in full force tonight, understanding their team's back is against the wall. This could be the last time they can support their side during the 2018 MLS season. 

The New York Red Bulls were overwhelmed their last time out. Allowing a passionate Atlanta FC side to determine the pace, the visitors soon found themselves a goal behind before the half time whistle, taking them out of their original tactical plan.

Chris Armas has his hands full in Thursday's return leg. The first year manager had been undefeated against the Five Stripes, but after a three goal output in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Armas must go back to the drawing board and devise a new strategy to overcome a multiple-goal deficit. 

The Red Bulls know they must score multiple goals, while limiting Atlanta from getting on the score-board themselves. Bradley Wright-Phillips will be the main center piece if the hosts expect to pull this improbable come back. The club's all-time leading scorer played hero last Sunday, but after VAR stepped in and overruled his hard work, the English man was left scoreless despite all his valiant efforts. 

Daniel Royer and Alejandro Romero Gamarra must step up and have better performances than last weekend. The attacking midfielders have been key figures to the Red Bulls season success, combining for 19 goals and 16 assists during the recent campaign. They are strategically placed behind Wright-Phillips in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where their activity moving forward in the attacking half of the pitch will be required if the hosts plan of pulling the shocker.

Luis Robles must have the match of the season, as the veteran keeper was punished the last time he faced this Atlanta side. The Red Bulls net-minder has gone 3-1-1 in his career against the Five Stripes, and on Thursday night he must re-discover that prior form.

Atlanta United FC sit in the proverbial driver's seat. Knowing they have a commanding 3 goal advantage, they can play a more relaxed style of football based on their current status.

Gerardo Martino has done a fantastic job with the "Five Stripes" since arriving last season. Martino has led Atlanta FC into the Playoffs in two consecutive seasons. Now the Argetine head-man has the southern side on the door step of a league finals, in what would be his final match in charge of the club.

Josef Martinez will certainly do his part to get his beloved manager into the MLS finals. The Venezuelan striker added to his season total last Sunday, breaking the deadlock with a superb first half goal, giving him 34 on this current record breaking campaign.

Martinez has plenty of help throughout Atlanta's ultra-talented starting eleven, accompanied by Miguel Almiron, Hector Villalba, Ezequiel Barco and Darlington Ngabe, who all work as a cohesive unit within the teams 3-5-2 formation. The visitors can simply over-run their opponents each time they gain possession.

The Five Stripes also have the utmost confidence on their back-end, choosing to roll with a three man back-line. They are also supported by USMNT goal keeper Brad Guzan, who has been a rock in between the sticks since arriving from the Premier League last season. Guzman will certainly be under a barrage of pressure from the Red Bulls, who will be desperate to score goals, his steady hand and overall experience will ease many of Atlanta United's worries as the opening whistle arrives.

New York Red Bulls vs Atlanta United FC - Match Prediction

The first time these two sides squared off five days ago it was a cagier affair than many expected, although Atlanta scored 3 goals, their was an emphasis on the defensive end to keep clean sheets by each squad. Thursday we should throw that scenario thrown out the window, when a team has dug themselves such a large hole, they will take more chances than normal, opening up the match for a fanatic pace. 

New York will be re-assured by their 2018 form on their own pitch, where the Red Bulls have bagged 48 goals in all competitions, for a gaudy average of 2.2 per contest, giving them plenty of self belief they can turn this return leg on it's head. The first 15 minutes of this match will be vital. I expect an all out assault on Atlanta's back-line, as the hosts attempt to grab an early goal and place the visitors on their back heels. 

Atlanta United should invite the pressure, with an array of pacey danger-men they will be content on springing the counter attack when it presents itself. I expect the Five Stripes to concede goals while at Red Bull arena, but I also see them putting at least one in the back during their travels. This match should be so wide open they will have plenty of clear cut chances to get on the score-line themselves.

Expect this Total to surge way over the number, while the Red Bulls place a minimum of 2 goals in the back of Atlanta's net, and the Five Stripes collect at least 1 for all their efforts.

New York Red Bulls vs Atlanta United FC - Betting Tips 

Over 2.75  -125 / 1.8 - Total Full Time Goals 
Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals  -110 / 1.91
New York Red Bulls  - Team Total Over  0.5  -135 / 1.74 - 1st Half Goal
New York Red Bulls  - Team Total Over  1.5  -135 / 1.74 - Full Time Goals 

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