Friday 8 May 2015 16:47, UK
In the first ever game between New York Red Bulls and New York City in Major League Soccer this weekend, here are some of the key players to look out for...
The Hudson River is all that separates New York Red Bulls, based in Harrison in New Jersey, and New York City, who temporarily reside in Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
They face each other for the first time in history in what has been touted one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of the season - and by far the most important for fans of both clubs.
Supporter’s groups for each have been very active on Twitter as #NYSoccerWarz continues to grow in intensity and chant sheets exchanged.
The derby involves one of MLS’ founding clubs. New Jersey MetroStars were established in 1996 before being re-branded ten years later following a takeover from Red Bull Co.
Their rivals - New York City FC - were created in 2014 by Manchester City, in their pursuit of becoming a global brand, and New York Yankees - Major League Baseball’s most iconic team.
Both are fighting to become MLS’ premier club in North America’s largest media market as their signings, past and present, have proved.
The likes of Thierry Henry, Juan Pablo Angel and Tim Cahill in the past for the Red Bulls and David Villa, plus the impending arrival of Frank Lampard for NYCFC, suggest that neither club lack ambition.
But who will claim the bragging rights in the first ever clash between the two? Here are three players from each team who could prove the difference, note that two are from England...
New York Red Bulls
Bradley Wright-Phillips: Now in his second full season at the Red Bulls, Wright-Phillips has 31 goals in 40 appearances since joining after a successful trial in 2012.
Twenty-seven of those came last season as the 30-year-old equalled the all-time single-season scoring record in MLS history.
This season, now without strike partner Thierry Henry, he is the club’s joint highest goalscorer on three. He can be wasteful in front of goal with a conversion rate of 12.5 per cent but could improve in any game.
BWP will likely play up front on his own on Sunday and NYCFC will aim to mark him out of the game.
Lloyd Sam: A journeyman of the English football leagues until joining New York Red Bulls in 2012, Lloyd Sam has three goals this season, that’s just one fewer than he scored for all of last season and two fewer than his record high of five goals in 2013.
The former Charlton and Leeds winger is the Red Bulls’ pacey outlet and tends to be the spearhead of their counter-attacks. His close control and flair could make it difficult for Chris Wingert to neutralise him.
Sam has not scored in his last four matches; he will want to stop the minor drought in this fierce contest.
Sacha Kljestan: The man with the ‘ugly moustache’, according to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Kljestan joined the new-look Red Bulls in January as a Designated Player from Belgian champions Anderlecht.
The US international has moved from a box-to-box midfielder in Belgium to being given greater responsibility as the Red Bulls’ number 10.
His transition has been slower than fans expected but he has two goals in his last four games. His link-up play with Wright-Phillips up front is improving weekly.
He will try to float in the space between New York City’s midfield and defence and, if afforded it, he could cause a defence that has not kept a clean sheet since March 21 real issues.
New York City FC
David Villa: The potential star of the show on Sunday night.
Injuries have blighted his start in MLS, first a hamstring problem then a hip irritation sidelined the 33-year-old but he is expected to play the full 90 minutes in the derby.
Villa has proven over his career to be able to change games when he is on form. After such disruption to his season, he will surely want to get back to scoring goals. Five shots in 36 minutes of action against Seattle Sounders last weekend highlighted his desire.
NYCFC have struggled for goals this season, the return of their captain could help re-ignite an underwhelming attack.
Mix Diskerud: The US international joined NYCFC on a free transfer in pre-season after deciding to leave 22-time Norwegian league winners Rosenborg.
Diskerud adopts the role as the deep-lying playmaker, where he has only scored once from this season. That was in NYCFC's first ever compeititive match against Orlando City, where he carefully curled his shot around Donovan Ricketts. NYCFC have the best pass completion rate in the league and he ranks fifth individually.
His ability to start attacks from deep and dictate the tempo of the team, which leads the league in possession this season, highlights just how integral he is to City’s forward movement.
Ned Grabavoy: Diskerud’s centre midfield partner is 31-year-old Ned Grabavoy, who has started in every game for NYCFC this season.
One of Jason Kreis’ players from Real Salt Lake, Grabavoy ranks highest with assists on two and is arguably the team’s most offensive midfielder, especially when a part of a three-man midfield.
His work-rate, adaptability and consistency could all prove vital in a game likely to be high in emotion.
Watch New York Red Bulls v New York City FC live on Sky Sports 5 HD from 12am midnight on Sunday night/Monday morning
