The New York Red Bulls are looking to bounce back from back-to-back defeats when they host Charlotte FC at the Red Bull Arena on Sunday, in their final MLS fixture of the regular season.
Meanwhile, the visitors' draw with Columbus in midweek was not enough to keep their playoff hopes alive heading into Decision Day.
Match preview
The New York Red Bulls failed to return to winning ways against Columbus Crew last Sunday at Lower.com Field.
Derrick Etienne haunted his former side, and his late brace for the Crew meant that victory was snatched from the clutches of Gerhard Struber's men, after Frankie Amaya gave them the lead in the 53rd minute.
Etienne's equaliser in the 89th minute ensured there would be a nervy finish in Columbus, and the former Red Bulls winger bagged the winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Despite the setback, Struber's side remain fourth in the Eastern Conference and have already secured their place in the post-season.
To remain there, and host their first-round playoff match at the Red Bull Arena, they need just a point, while a victory here would give them a chance at overtaking New York City FC into third.
Prior to the defeat to Columbus, the Red Bulls lost the Hudson River derby, ending their four-game unbeaten run.
Andre Shinyashiki's dramatic 94th-minute equaliser against the Crew was not enough to preserve their playoff hopes in midweek, as Orlando City failed to win or draw against Inter Miami.
Goals from Lucas Zelarayan and Luis Diaz gave Columbus a two-goal advantage, before Daniel Rios's fine form continued as he pulled a goal back for Charlotte just shy of the hour mark.
Despite the disappointment of not qualifying for the post-season, that result means Christian Lattanzio's side are on a four-game unbeaten run coming into this tie.
Last Saturday, the Crown stuck four goals past the Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union - their biggest victory in franchise history.
Rios scored all four in North Carolina, joining Valentin Castellanos as the only players to score four goals in a match this season.
Team News
The hosts will be without Cameron Harper, who is still recovering from a quad injury, while Serge Ngoma will be sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Zachary Ryan has been out of action since sustaining a shoulder injury in July's friendly against Barcelona. However, fellow attacker Patryk Klimala returned to the fold against Columbus last time out.
The visitors will travel without Guzman Corujo and Adam Armour, who have both undergone knee surgery, while Vinicius Mello has recently had foot surgery, meaning he will also be absent here.
Daniel Rios has found the back of the net five times in his last two outings, meaning he looks set to retain his place up front.
Christian Fuchs has been suspended for Charlotte's recent fixtures against the Chicago Fire, the Philadelphia Union and the Columbus Crew, so he could return to the starting lineup here.
New York Red Bulls possible starting lineup:
Carlos; Ndam, S. Nealis, Reyes; D. Nealis, Edelman, Amaya, Tolkin; Luquinhas, Kilmala, Morgan
Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:
Kahlina; Afful, Walkes, Malanda, Fuchs; Bronico, Jones, Bender; Gaines, Rios, Reyna
We say: New York Red Bulls 1-1 Charlotte FC
New York Red Bulls have suffered a slump in form in recent weeks, picking up just three points out of a possible nine available.
A point here would be enough for them to hold onto fourth place, and give them a home playoff game. Meanwhile, Charlotte will be keen to keep their unbeaten run alive by getting a positive result.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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