Birmingham Legion FC will continue its drive for a top-four finish in the USL Championship’s Eastern Conference as Week 25 concludes on Sunday evening with the Alabama side taking on the New York Red Bulls II, who sprang a surprise on the road in their last outing.

Here’s a look ahead to the action.

Birmingham Legion FC vs. New York Red Bulls II

Venue: Protective Stadium
Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: BHM 72%, NY 9%, Draw 18%

The Lowdown: Birmingham Legion FC returns home looking to build on a major rivalry victory last time out as it plays host to the last-placed New York Red Bulls II. Legion FC ran out to a 4-2 victory against Southern Harm rival Memphis 901 FC last Saturday night at AutoZone Park as four different players found the net, with Marlon notching a goal and assist for the visitors and Enzo Martinez notching his team-leading 10th goal of the season. Martinez and Marlon both found the net when Birmingham last squared off with the Red Bulls II in a 2-1 victory for Legion FC at MSU Soccer Park in May. The Red Bulls II are coming off a 2-2 draw against a Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC side that is currently one place behind Birmingham in the standings going into the weekend, with John Murphy and Wiki Carmona leading the visitors back from a two-goal deficit at Highmark Stadium to earn a surprise point against the Hounds. New York is officially on the brink of elimination from playoff contention and will be without one of its top players previously this season after attacking midfielder Jeremy Rafanello’s move to the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer this past week. With Legion FC in the middle of a major battle for homefield advantage in the East, it will be eager to avoid dropping points and complete a season sweep on home turf.

Spotlight Players
Birmingham Legion FC – Enzo Martinez: The veteran playmaker has recorded the second double-digit goal season of his career after notching 17 goals with the Charlotte Independence in 2017 and will be a player the Red Bulls II have to try and contain.

New York Red Bulls II – John Murphy: The central midfielder has notched two goals and three assists this season and will need to put up a strong display against a Birmingham lineup that is likely to include Haitian international Zach Herivaux.