MLS Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals Preview

The first leg of the Eastern Conference finals takes place on Sunday. Two of the more exciting teams in the league are set to face off for a right to lift the MLS trophy next month.

There is a large amount of expectation with each side involved, after both clubs hovered around the top of the Eastern table, they are each expected to claim the final prize.

Atlanta United vs New York Red Bulls
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
11-25-2018 - 5:00 pm ET - ESPN

The opening match of the Conference Finals pits the old guard against the new kids on the block, with Red Bulls the grizzled old veterans in the league, while Atlanta are in just their second year of existence.

Atlanta FC have taken no time to adjust into their new surroundings, with most expansion clubs struggling to field a competitive squad, the "Five Stripes" have made the Playoffs in their first two seasons, making them the most successful new franchise in MLS history.

Gerardo Martino has been the main component in the newly formed sides success. The Argentine head-man is highly respected on the International level, having managed some of the biggest names in the footballing world. Martino was able to recruit a large amount of South American players, who jumped at the opportunity to play under the managerial legend.

Josef Martinez was one of those who passed up remaining in Europe to join the expansion project his newly assigned coach was putting together in the MLS. Martinez took no time making a name for himself in the United States based league, in just two years the Venezuelan striker has produced 55 Goals, and set the single season record with 33 scored, during his record breaking campaign.

Miguel Almirón has been the perfect running mate atop the Five Stripes front-line. Martino has placed the young attacking midfielder in the perfect position to showcase his overall skill-set.  Almirón sets the tone for Atlanta's attacking fury, able to break down defenders with his slick dribbling abilities, while using a wide variety of passes, crosses and through balls to unlock opposing defenses, he can then finish with the best goal scorers in the league, earning him a future spot in the English Premier League once the playoffs have concluded.

Atlanta will be worried about the amount of minutes their main men tallied while on International duty, with Martinez logging plenty of miles through the Middle East and Asia, and Almirón returning from South Africa, the wear and tear on the Five Stripes super-stars could come into effect, as these two teams are always looking to push the pace.

The hosts are also dealing with their manager departing at the conclusion of their postseason run, with Martino agreeing to take over as Mexico's National team coach, which can always be a distraction, it will be ultimately up too the players on how they respond from here on out. 

Hector Villalba, Eric Remedi, Franco Escobar, Miles Robinson and Josef Martinez will have added pressure to walk a straight line during each of their shifts, understanding if they pick up one more yellow card a piece, they would face suspension in the return leg next week, which could place the club in a tough spot, this will be a interesting aspect to keep an eye on.

New York Red Bulls travel south having captured the best record in the Eastern Conference, which earned them the right to have the second leg on their own pitch.

The visitors have been one of the leagues top clubs for several years, having retained the rights of some of the largest names in the footballing world, along with their affiliation with Red Bull family, giving the New York side a brand name on worlds stage. 

Chris Armas has done an outstanding job in his first year of service, after long time manager Jesse Marsch moved on to sister club RB Leipzig, the former assistant moved into the head position, and proceeded to lead the Red Bulls to the best record in the East.

The Red Bull's are also led by the teams all-time leading goal scoring in Bradley Wright-Phillips, assigned as the dedicated number-nine with New York's 4-2-3-1 formation, the former Manchester City youth has carved out a nice career in the States, after crossing the pond several years ago. Wright-Phillips had another splendid season with the Red Bulls, scoring 20 Goals during the regular campaign, he now has the opportunity to help lead his side to a MLS title, and further solidify himself as a club legend.

Tyler Adams will also be called upon to help lead his side past their explosive opponents, the young USMNT member has been a critical piece towards the Red Bulls impressive 2018 run. The rising youth product provides the Red Bulls with a aggressive style of play from his midfield position, able to set the offense into pass with his slick passing skills, while also having super sharp instincts on the back-end, able to anticipate passes and eliminate the majority of most dangerous attacks.

New York will start the match at less than full strength, with Benjamin Mines, Florian Valot, Kyle Duncan, Vincent Bezecourt, and Tommy Redding all sidelined with injuries, placing added stress on the active members to remain on the pitch, while avoiding accumulating yellow cards themselves. 

Red Bulls come in having won 5 of their last 6 matches, they seem to be playing some of their best football to date, and with a 4 match unbeaten streak against this same Atlanta side, this team will show no fear in a stadium that tends to shrink most other clubs over the course of 90 minutes.

Atlanta vs Red Bulls - Match Prediction 

This particular fixture should be a real treat to view. With each team preferring to run at any given time, we should see plenty of non-stop action, as these Eastern conference contenders battle it out for the opening leg advantage.

Atlanta have been a true juggernaut while at the Mercedes-Benz stadium, scoring 48 goals in just 20 appearances in all competitions, giving them an average of 2.4 per match, ensuring they will hit the back of the net more times than not while in front of their home supporters. 

New York are no slouches themselves, having scored 78 total goals in all competitions. Red Bulls were able to bang in 30 away from Red Bull arena, as their up-tempo attacking style of play creates over 13 shots on goal per contest, allowing them to compete with the best scoring teams in the league.

I expect a track meet when the two highest scoring teams in the league meet on Sunday evening, with each wanting to push the pace and get their skilled danger-men moving in front of goal, I expect a plethora of chances created on each others goal. We should also see a large amount of Corners, which is a nice Prop option too take into account.

Look for each side to get on this final score-line, with Atlanta keeping up their trend of scoring 2 goals per home match.

Atlanta vs Red Bulls - Match Tips

Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5  Goals  -105 / 1.95
Atlanta United - Team Total Over 0.5  -130 / 1.77 - 1st Half Goal
Atlanta United - Team Total Over 1.5  -125 / 1.8 - Full Time Goals 

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