When the New York Red Bulls (5-3-1, 16 points) host the Houston Dynamo (2-2-2, 8 points) in an MLS match Wednesday night at Red Bull Arena (7 p.m. ET, MSG, Live Stream) coach Hans Backe will be afforded a luxury he has not had the past few matches. Backe will actually have real lineup decisions to make.
The Red Bulls have been playing short-handed in recent games, and will still be without striker Thierry Henry and defender Wilman Conde against the Dynamo. New York will, however have midfielder Rafa Marquez (suspension) and defender Roy Miller (injury) available for selection.
With an inexperienced, makeshift back line the Red Bulls have still managed to win their last two games without surrendering any goals -- the first two MLS shutouts for rookie goalkeeper Ryan Meara.
Backe told RedBulls.com that he expects Miller to replace Connor Lade on defense, but that Marquez' role in the midfield is less clear. Dax McCarty has excelled in recent games as a defensive presence in the midfield.
The Red Bulls travel to Philadelphia on Sunday to play the Union.