The basics
New York Red Bulls vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the opening match of the Barclays New York Challenge at Red Bull Arena
TV info
8:30 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Sports en Español
The opening match of the New York Football Challenge will mark the debut of new Red Bulls’ designated player Thierry Henry. Having not played last weekend in the 2-0 loss to Columbus, the French international’s first run with his new club will come against Tottenham, longtime North London rivals of Henry's former club Arsenal. Unfortunately, Henry will be unable to partner with his expected strike partner, Juan Pablo Angel, who is still recovering from an ankle injury suffered last weekend.
New York Red Bulls
The Red Bulls are getting healthy again and head coach Hans Backe said he will use the match as a chance to get some players fit and healthy. Macoumba Kandji told MLSsoccer.com on Wednesday that he expects to play at least 60 minutes against the English side. He will get the nod up top with Henry and the two have linked well in limited practice time together.
Kandji will be joined by defensive midfielder Carl Robinson and Roy Miller in the lineup as well. After an injury late last week caused him to be a scratch for the Columbus match, Chris Albright should be penciled in at right back.
There is also the chance that a trialist from Brazil will get a run for a few minutes either Thursday night or Sunday vs. Manchester City. Backe would not reveal the player’s name but said he was rather impressed with what he has shown in training so far.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs are coming off a difficult scoreless draw in San Jose last Saturday and are still getting their fitness and finding their legs again during this early stretch of the preseason. Head coach Harry Redknapp praised the Barclays New York Challenge as a good opportunity to play against high-level opponents.
Redknapp seemed to temper expectations that the Champions League club would enjoy a rollover against New York.
“We are just preparing for the preseason," Redknapp said. "We do not know too much about them. Obviously, Thierry Henry we know very well, and Angel we know well. Other than that, Carl Robinson I know, but the boys wouldn’t know too much about him. We’re just preparing our own game and getting ready for the season.”
Heroes & Villains
Joel Lindpere v. Tom Huddlestone: The Red Bulls midfielder will be keen for a performance to note after being snubbed from the All-Star Game earlier this week. The two-way midfielder has been a key catalyst for the Red Bulls who have surprised many by staking claim to second place in the Eastern Conference. Huddlestone is a big boy; sitting on the dais on Wednesday he looked like a NFL linebacker. His battle with the always pesky Lindpere should be a fun one to watch.
Stat that makes you go “Hmm..."
Against international competition at Red Bull Arena, the Red Bulls are a surprising 2-1. Victories came over Brazilian giants Santos and Italian powerhouse Juventus. The Bulls' lone loss came in June with a 4-2 loss against Cruzeiro. The Red Bulls have outscored their international opponents by a score of 8-6 at their new home in Harrison.
