Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways in the early hours of Thursday, New England will welcome Atlanta to the Gillette Stadium.
New England Revolution
Starting with the hosts, putting in a nightmare performance last weekend as they slumped to a 5-1 drumming at the hands of Columbus, New England will certainly be seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, still collecting 12 points from their previous five MLS appearances, the Revs will be desperate to make up some ground in the play-off chase. Making a real statement last month as they secured an action-packed 3-2 victory against Vancouver, Caleb Porter’s men will now be hoping to find some much-needed defensive resole. Blown away at the Gillette Stadium last weekend as they fell to that 5-1 loss against Columbus, New England have registered just a single clean sheet from any of their last eight consecutive matchups – a run that stems all the way back to May 5th.
Team News
All still dealing with respective injury issues, New England are once again expected to be without the trio of Tomas Chancalay, Nacho Gil and former New York City striker Thomas McNamara here. However, recently returning from a long-term muscle injury, 28-year-old Brandon Bye could make a first MLS start of the season at the Gillette Stadium.
Bagging a consolation strike against Columbus last weekend and now recording two goals in his previous four MLS appearances, ex-LA Galaxy striker Emmanuel Boateng will spearhead New England’s attack. Former Rangers star Matt Polster will once again partner 19-year-old Noel Buck in the middle of the park.
Atlanta United
As for the visitors, managing to make an immediate return to winning ways last weekend as they secured a dramatic 2-1 victory at home against Toronto, Atlanta do appear to have turned a recent corner. Despite opening June with a lively 3-2 defeat at home against Charlotte, that is the only defeat that the Five Stripes have suffered from any of their previous six MLS appearances. Finding a route into the play-off places in the Eastern Conference, interim boss Rob Valentino will also be excited by his side’s extended success on the road. Springing a huge upset back on March 30th as they secured a stellar 3-1 victory against Inter Miami, Atlanta have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous eight straight battles away from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Team News
Away with Peru at this summer’s Copa America, 28-year-old defender Luis Abram will not feature on Thursday. Likewise, still on the sidelines with a recent knock, Colombian striker Edwin Mosquera is not expected to feature at the Gillette Stadium in midweek.
Marking his return from a one-match suspension with a goal against Toronto last weekend and now registering back-to-back MLS strikes, Argentina international Thiago Almada will play a leading role here. Former Blackburn defender Derrick Williams will start at the back alongside academy graduate Noah Cobb.
Key Factors to Consider
- When New England and Atlanta last met back on March 10th, the Five Stripes claimed a thumping 4-1 victory at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- Despite suffering a woeful 5-1 defeat at home against Columbus last weekend, New England have collected 12 points from their previous five MLS appearances.
- Atlanta have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous eight away fixtures across all competitions.
- The Five Stripes have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their last 11 MLS appearances.
- All of the last five meetings between New England and Atlanta have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Watching Atlanta claim a Stella 4-1 victory when they welcomed New England to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium back on March 10th, the Five Stripes will be desperate for a similar performance here. Gaining a reputation for their success on the road and losing just one of their previous eight away fixtures across all competitions, neutrals could be treated to an enjoyable affair in midweek. It should be noted, with all of the previous five meetings between New England and Atlanta finishing with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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