New York Red Bulls vs Montreal Impact #4: Pre-Game preview and notes before lift-off

Game #4 for the Montreal Impact as they continue playing away from home since their historical home opener vs the Chicago Fire. After a 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew in Columbus, the Montreal club takes on a MLS powerhouse in the New York Red Bulls. With a worst start than the Montreal Impact after the first 2 games ( 0-2-0), the New York Red Bulls came out of the gates with a strong statement when they beat the Colorado Rapids, 4-1.

vs

via www.mlssoccer.com

New York Red Bulls 2012 record: 1-2-0 (W-L-T)

Montreal Impact 2012 record: 0-2-1 (W-L-T)

Where: RED BULL ARENA, Harrison, N.J.

When: Saturday, March 31st, 2012, 4pm (ET)

Where to watch: TSN/RDS;MSG; MLS Live + Montreal Impact's pub partners

More after the jump...

Injury Report

New York RedBulls : OUT: FW Juan Agudelo (L knee surgery recovery); QUESTIONABLE: MF Teemu Tainio (R ankle contusion)

Montreal Impact: OUT: DF Nelson Rivas (L hamstring strain); FW Eduardo Sebrango (L groin strain); QUESTIONABLE: DF Hassoun Camara (R quad strain)

Absence due to International duty: Montreal Impact Evan James, Carl Haworth (both Canada U-23)

Suspensions: Montreal: Jeb Brovsky (through April 1)

Probable Lineups

Notes

As per RDS and La Presse ex-player/journalist Patrick Leduc,

Nouvelles en vrac: Corradi et Valentin en pôle position pour être dans le XI samedi vs #RBNY (Braun, Brovsky out) #IMFC

— Patrick Leduc (@patleduc15) March 29, 2012

So look for a change at the attacking position with Bernardo Corradi that might replace Justin Braun and Zarek Valentin taking the vacant right back spot. Younger than Calum Mallace but with MLS experience, Valentin , aka Oreo-man, will look to bring a defensive side to the right back but he does enjoy going up and joining the attack. But at the end, it will be Jesse Marsch's instructions and expectations that will determine how Zarek will play. Usually a centre back, his versatility will be important to the team.

A potential Corradi - Nyassi association might be more than interesting with Corradi's technical skills to fight CBs and control the ball to quickly give it to speedy supporting players like Nyassi and Justin Mapp. Look for Josh Gardner yet again to run up and down the left side, a big part of the Montreal Impact's plan.

On the New York side, the two-man attack of Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper will be another challenge for the Montreal defence but also to the midfield. Thierry Henry enjoys going down to the midfield but obviously not as much as during his Arsenal days. The task will already be hard as Felipe Martins and Patrice Bernier will face Teemu Tainio and Rafael Marquez, a strong duo that can defend with excellent passing and the ability to join the offense.

Did you know that Sanna Nyassi and Justin Braun both scored hat tricks against the New York Red Bulls in the 2011 season?

The proof is in the pudding