Home advantage can help Red Bulls gain some compensation

MLS Eastern Conference final second leg
Sky Sports Football, 12.30am Thursday night

Atlanta’s 3-0 first-leg triumph over New York Red Bulls on Sunday has put them on the brink of an MLS Cup final spot at just their second attempt, but a tough trip to the Red Bull Arena means there is still work to be done.

Home form played a pivotal part in the Red Bulls’ charge to the Eastern Conference title game. Chris Armas’s men won 15 of their 18 games on their own patch, beating Atlanta 2-0 in September, and keeping clean sheets in 12 of their successes.

They finished two points clear of Atlanta in the regular season and their tanking in Georgia means they have no choice but to play on the front foot.

Red Bulls scored three or more goals seven times on home soil this season, so the Five Stripes can take nothing for granted particularly with Bradley Wright-Phillips showing no signs of slowing down.

The former Charlton forward has netted 20 goals in 35 appearances this season and his link-up with Austrian ace Daniel Royer should concern Atlanta, who have lost three of their last six away games.

Atlanta’s achievements this season are even more remarkable given it is just their second MLS campaign and moving into their new home at the Mercedez-Benz Arena has given them the platform they needed.

Retaining the services of Josef Martinez, who has 34 goals in 40 starts this term, has been crucial to Atlanta’s success and they need to make the most of his presence with European clubs keen to capture his signature.

The visitors probably did enough in the opening leg to tee up an MLS Cup tilt but home advantage is important in this competition and the Red Bulls look good value to at least win the second leg.

Recommendation
New York Red Bulls
1pt 17-20 bet365, Betfair

Already advised
Atlanta to win MLS Cup
2pts 9-1 March 3

Read every day for no-nonsense previews and expert sports betting tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport