I may not agree with all of our friend Pat Davila’s assertions, but the principle remains the same; something has to change for this weekends match at Gillette.

Lloyd Sam was an explosive addition to the Red Bulls offense. He has been training for nearly a month in hopes of getting a starting call. Since Dane Richards was let go, there hasn’t been a speedy threat to get in behind the defenders. Sam could be it.

Speaking of changes, how about doing away with the whole three defensive midfielders thing? Rafa Marquez deserves a starting nod, though I would highly doubt he would risk injury on the notoriously hard pitch at Gillette. Dax McCarty has been the most effective two way midfielder the Red Bulls have had all season. Keep him in the middle.

Pat’s other point – bringing back Barklage – is also one I support.

As for the strikers, Cooper and Le Toux are relatively rested. They could make a good one two punch up top, allowing Cahill to drop back to midfield.

(Yes, that means I don’t feel Henry will make the trip either).