Preview:New York Red Bulls vs. FC Cincinnati - prediction, team news, lineups

Having recently ended a run of five games without a victory, New York Red Bulls welcome FC Cincinnati to the Red Bull Arena on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, the away side make the trip looking to return to winning off the back of a share of the spoils in their most recent involvement.

Match preview

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New York saw off the threat of Atlanta United courtesy of a narrow 2-1 victory when the sides clashed at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday.

Gerhard Struber's men stormed to a two-goal lead at half time thanks to strikes from Lewis Morgan and John Tolkin before Josef Martinez pulled one back late on.

As a result, the Metro currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, eight points adrift of division leaders Philadelphia Union.

Next up for them is a clash versus an opposing outfit who have only suffered defeat in one of the last five meetings between the teams.

Off the back of four consecutive defeats on their own patch, Saturday's hosts will be keen to get back on track in front of their fans this weekend.

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FC Cincinnati played out a thrilling 2-2 stalemate against Atlanta United at the Total Quality Logistics Stadium on Sunday morning.

Pat Noonan's men went behind to Thiago Almada's opener after which they hit back through Brandon Vazquez and Brenner, only for Andrew Gutman to level matters in the 83rd minute.

With 33 points from 25 games so far, the Orange and Blue have dropped to ninth in the Eastern Conference but they are outside the last playoff spot only on goal difference.

Winless in each of their last five games on the road, Saturday's visitors will need to get their act together away from home to stand a proper chance of making it through to the post-season.

Team News

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Anthony Marcucci remains sidelined for New York Red Bulls with a shoulder problem, while Serge Ngoma also misses out through a muscle problem.

The home side will also be without the services of 20-year-old Lucas Monzon who is yet to feature since May 11 due to a long-term knee injury.

Ronaldo Matarrita and Sergio Santos are Cincinnati's only guaranteed absentees for Saturday's game but the latter is drawing increasingly close to returning to action.

Brazilian forward Brenner has scored four times in his last three games for the away side and he is definitely one to keep an eye on here.

New York Red Bulls possible starting lineup:

Carlos; Tolkin, Long, Nealis, Duncan; Yearwood, Edelman, Casseres; Luquinhas, Morgan, Klimala

FC Cincinnati possible starting lineup:

Celentano; Powell, Hagglund, Cameron, Miazga, Barreal; Nwobodo, Acosta, Moreno; Brenner, Vazquez

We say: New York Red Bulls 2-1 FC Cincinnati

The teams have shown that they have a lot of attacking firepower all-season long so we expect goals at both ends here. We are also tipping New York Red Bulls to come out on top in the end, albeit by only a narrow margin.

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