This weekend’s clash between New York Red Bulls And Atlanta United promises to play a crucial role in the race for the playoffs in the MLS Eastern Conference, as the New York Red Bulls currently sit in fifth place and fight for a favorable postseason spot.

Atlanta United, on the other hand, is fighting for survival. The team currently sits in 11th place and, despite a recent draw with league leaders Inter Miami, will have to work hard late in the season to reach the playoffs.

Game Preview

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The New York Red Bulls enter this weekend's game eager to end their six-game winless streak and get back in the race for the Eastern Conference playoffs. They sit in fifth place with 43 points from 29 games and are fighting for a favorable postseason spot.

The hosts are level on points with fourth-place Orlando City but have fewer wins to their name, while NYCFC are in sixth place, just three points behind and one win more. With the top three teams already safely in the playoffs, NYRB knows they need to start turning draws into wins to maintain their position.

Their recent form is a cause for concern as they head into this game on the back of a 2-1 loss to Chicago Fire, extending their winless streak to six games in all competitions, including four in MLS. They have only won twice in their last 10 league matches since their last victory, a 3-1 triumph over FC Cincinnati in July.

At home, the Red Bulls have been one of the league's strongest teams, losing just once at Red Bull Arena this season. However, their last home win was a 3-1 victory over Cincinnati. Other results included a 0-0 draw with Sporting Kansas City and a narrow 2-0 loss to Philadelphia Union. However, their home form remains a decisive advantage, with seven wins and six draws in 14 matches.

One encouraging factor for New York is their superior record against Atlanta United: they have won 10 of their 16 meetings, including three of their last four. Atlanta's only two wins in this match have both come on home soil, giving New York confidence to extend its dominance.

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Atlanta's season has been marked by inconsistency. A meager eight wins put the team in a precarious position with just five games remaining. They desperately need points for a late push into the playoff spots.

Atlanta is currently one point behind ninth-place Philadelphia Union and still has a playoff spot to look forward to. However, the team has only won two of their last ten MLS games and has therefore been unable to achieve consistency, leading to a worrying slide down the table.

Form has not been good for Atlanta recently, as they head into this game on the back of a 2-2 home draw with Inter Miami, following a 2-0 home loss to Nashville SC and a 1-0 away win against Charlotte FC, their only win in their last six games.

Atlanta's problems are even greater away from home: The 1-0 win over Charlotte was their only victory in their last five away games. Losses to LA Galaxy, Inter Miami and the New York Red Bulls have highlighted their problems.

The duel against the New York Red Bulls represents a big challenge for Atlanta, as the team has only managed two wins in 16 matches, none of them away from home. It will therefore be a huge task to secure the crucial three points.

New York Red Bulls Major League Soccer form:

New York Red Bulls form (all competitions):

Atlanta United Major League Soccer form:

Atlanta United form (all competitions):

Team News

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The New York Red Bulls have several injury concerns ahead of their next game.

Kyle Duncan (Knee), Emil Forsberg (lower leg) and Roald Mitchell (knee) have been ruled out for this game, which limits the manager’s options, Sandro Black.

Additionally, WikiCarmona (thigh) and Sean Nealis (thigh) is listed as questionable, although Carmona has missed the last nine games.

Atlanta United has to accept some absences before the game. Ronald Hernandez due to an ankle injury, while goalkeeper Quentin Westberg is unavailable as he continues to recover under the league's concussion protocol.

Saba Lobdzhanidze scored in the last game and his attacking prowess will be crucial for Atlanta in securing important points.

Possible starting eleven for the New York Red Bulls:
Coronel; Nealis, Reyes, Eile, Tolkin; Harper, Carallo, Edelman, Stroud; Morgan, Manoel

Possible starting lineup for Atlanta United:
Guzan; Lennon, Rode Gregersen, Williams, Amador; Slisz, McCarty; Lobjanidze, Miranchuk, Muyumba; Rios

We think: New York Red Bulls 2-1 Atlanta United

The New York Red Bulls have done well at home and have a strong record against Atlanta United. Given Atlanta's recent struggles and New York's need to end its winless streak, the Red Bulls will likely be looking for a win.

Click here to see a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match.

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