(Sports Network) - Red Bull New York is expected unveil newly signed French striker Thierry Henry for the first time in Major League Soccer action in Houston on Saturday night when it takes on the Dynamo.
And with Juan Pablo Angel expected to play with a slight ankle injury, New York could have one of the most fearsome forward pairings in the history of MLS.
"It's going to be fun but it's certainly going to be nerve-wracking," Houston defender Eddie Robinson told mlssoccer.com. "Those guys are not out of their prime by any means. You can put that pair in the EPL now and the two center backs would know they have a game on their hands."
New York (8-6-2) is currently in second in the Eastern table, meaning it was having a solid season before the addition on Henry. Now teams must contend with what could be a very balanced attack when everyone is healthy.
"They were doing well before Henry," Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall told mlssoccer.com. "It is not just [Henry] and we know we have to bring our best to get a win and to go on a run. It's time now."
Hall will probably be getting the start for injured No. 1 'keeper Pat Onstad on Saturday.
Also, Houston will be without one of its top defenders in Bobby Boswell, who earned a red card in his team's 3-0 loss to Columbus last weekend.
"Missing [Boswell] is going to hurt," Houston defender Mike Chabala said. "Guys are going to have to step up and stay organized and to make sure defensively we keep the zero and give ourselves the best chance to win."
Houston (5-8-4) will also be without midfielder Geoff Cameron, who has been out most of the season with a knee injury.
"It is the way it's been going all year with guys in and out with injuries and suspensions," Houston coach Dominic Kinnear told mlssoccer.com. "It happens."
New York will be without midfielders Giorgi Chirgadze, Brian Nielsen and Irving Garcia, and defender Kevin Goldthwaite, while Angel is listed on the injury report as questionable.