Gerhard Struber: “We expect the team to have peak power in transition moments. This means for us they will stay maybe also deep in our block. We need patience in this game.” (USA TODAY Sports)

The Red Bulls host Nashville Soccer Club in their 28th MLS home opener on Saturday at Red Bull Arena.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV MLS Season pass and New York Red Bulls Radio in English via TuneIn, the New York Red Bulls app, and NewYorkRedBulls.com

“We want to bring a big power in this game, a good spirit a good energy, and every single player should leave everything on the field,” Red Bulls head coach Gerard Struber said. “This is my expectation. I think maybe we can build our foundation, our typical game of football. We expect the team to have peak power in transition moments. This means for us they will stay maybe also deep in our block. We need patience in this game.”

Struber said that he might use two strikers in the match again, which he utilized in the season-opening loss at Orlando City SC last Saturday.

“I think maybe bringing more numbers in the opponent’s box is always the higher chance to score,” Struber said. “I like to play with two strikers, but it also depends on which one is available [and] which one is a good fit together. This season, we are very flexible with a high variability with the shape. We can play in different systems and this makes us hopefully unpredictable. But of course, we have enough strikers and by now we should play in the next time with two strikers.”

This will be only the third meeting between New York and Nashville, with the Red Bulls holding an advantage in the overall series with a 1-0-1 mark. The Red Bulls won the only meeting at Red Bull Arena on June 18, 2021, where they won 2-0 with goals from Kyle Duncan and former New York Red Bulls forward Fabio. Nashville SC are coming off a 2-0 victory against New York City FC on Saturday, February 25.

The Red Bulls have posted a 16-6-5 mark in home openers in franchise history. New York will begin their 14th season at Red Bull Arena on Saturday and have recorded an 8-3-2 mark in home openers at Red Bull Arena. Since 2010, the Red Bulls are tied for the most points earned at home since 2010 with Seattle Sounders FC at 424 and have recorded the second most wins with 126.

Midfielder Cristian Cásseres, Jr. made his 100th career MLS appearance in the Red Bulls’ season opener against Orlando City SC. In his career with the Red Bulls, Cásseres, Jr. has scored 13 goals and added 17 assists. The Venezuelan international recorded a career-high six assists last season, which was tied for the club lead. Cásseres, Jr. recorded an assist in the last match at Red Bull Arena against Nashville SC.

Coverage on Apple TV in English and Spanish begins at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tony Husband will have the primary play-by-play responsibilities and will be alongside Ross Smith on the English side, while Juan Arango will have the play-by-play responsibilities and will be alongside Carlos Suarez on the Spanish broadcast. New York Red Bulls Radio begins at 7 p.m. ET with Countdown to Kickoff, presented by Honda, hosted by Matt Harmon and Steve Jolley.

The Red Bulls next will visit Minnesota United FC on Saturday, March 11 at Allianz Field.